Aaron Jo: 12/28/1975 - 6/23/2008

Well, Aaron did get to go to Disney. She, Glenda, the kids and Paula (friend and Hospice aide) with Paula's daughter flew to Orlando on June 2. Aaron's brother Adam and his wife Shauna met them there. Aaron was well enough to only go on one ride - but Tif had a wonderful time with Adam and Shauna and Kyle had a lot of fun with Paula. Aaron was brought back to NY via ICU Jet on Thursday and immediately went to the hospital.

She had ups and downs over the course of the next two weeks. Ann Marie came from Denver as did Aaron's dad. Aunt Kim came from KY for about a week. Two weeks to the day that Aaron came back to NY, she started telling us goodbye. On Friday she slept all day and Saturday and Sunday were hard days for her. As hard as it was for me to watch Aaron struggle for every breath, I can not begin to imagine how it felt for her family.

She kept her sense of humor up till the end with occasional wisecracks and jokes. At one point on Sunday she turned to her mom and asked if she was an angel. Glenda said "no, baby, you don't have your wings yet." Aaron sighed and said "I don't want to be an angel." I have so much admiration and respect for Aaron - she rarely complained, she hardly wanted to ask for something from anyone even the last few weeks when any one of us would have tried to get the world for her. She certainly fought the hard and good fight.

Aaron passed away just about 7:00 AM on Monday, June 23, 2008. Her funeral service was held yesterday afternoon, three weeks after returning from Disney. The service was conducted by the Spiritual Director of Hospice. She read some poems chosen by Ann Marie as well as some she chose. A video tribute was played and some memories of Aaron were shared. She would have loved the video as well as the gathering afterwards.

I am a better person for having Aaron in my life. She sometimes drove me crazy, but I always loved her. She will be missed. Eventually I will add some more stories about Aaron for her kids. I think it will be a little while before that happens though.

Below is Aaron's video montage.

Florida, at last!

Aaron told me this afternoon that it looks like they will be going to Florida the first week of June! She is thrilled, needless to say!

Tiffani is a star!

Been awhile, I guess. Aaron et al are moved into their new home. It is really nice - off street parking, 3 bedrooms, fenced in backyard, sunny living room, big kitchen, just a great place all in all.

But, for today's news- it is all about Tiffani! Tif has been doing archery at school and received an award for "Most Improved" with her name engraved and everything! And also, she is now a published artist! A drawing Tif did was chosen to be in a book called "Kites and Kings." "Kites and Kings" is put together by the elementary schools from Downsville to Schoharie - and all the schools in between. (Over 100 miles apart). Tif drew a photo of Evanessence lead singer, Amy Lee, with pencil and was asked to submit it to the book. She did, it was chosen and it is a very Big Deal! Yay! Congratulations, Tif!