Missing Aaron

Aaron pops in my head frequently and at the most random times...like now when I just saw a picture of spinach artichoke dip. Whenever we'd visit the Hart's for some type of all day gathering, Aaron would request that Matt bring his spinach dip.

For those that don't know, Matt lost one of his best, life-long friends the day after Thanksgiving. Everything about it sucks. Cancer sucks. Of course, we knew Aaron was sick. He was diagnosed 3 years prior and we saw him often. When he was hospitalized, Matt was always there. Aaron always seemed to bounce back though. We knew the possibility but it just didn't seem real. I didn't see him the last time he was hospitalized but I think then Matt knew it wouldn't be long. Obviously, we prayed for strength for his family, for a miracle for Aaron, and just comfort all around. When we received the early morning call, we knew. Words didn't need to be said, we knew. Our hearts broke and our world changed.

Aaron was the best example of a husband, father, son, best friend, principal, and in his final hours pastor that there is. We all grew together...Matt and Aaron from pre-school on and then Shannon & I joined the picture close together. We vacationed together, they were in each others weddings, welcomed each other kiddos, attended birthday parties and family celebrations. Aaron & Shannon were are go to couple. It will always be Aaron & Shannon. How do we wrap our head around that he's gone? What must Shannon, the kids, and their families be going through if we're feeling this? I can't imagine!

We miss him! We know that he's free from pain and holding their sweet Caleb but we still miss him! We always will.