I Remember  / Julie Matthews (Friend of parents )
I just heard the news about Aaron and my heart breaks for all of you.  I keep seeing Aaron as a small child running in to PALS preschool and of him "sitting" at church as Janice tried to keep him still.  As a parent, I am not sure how anyone survives this.  Janice-I remember watching you at Unity and marveling at how I could feel your faith--your eyes, your gestures, your voice always gave me strength during difficult times.  I hope that some of the strength you gave to others is being returned to you now.  I am thinking of all of you and wishing you peace.  Love, Julie and Family Close

Thinking of you  / Marg And Bill Wendle (friends of Janice and Jim )
Dear Janice and Jim,
We were so sorry to hear about Aaron. I've read the obituary over and over, still finding myself in denial. Each time I read it, I think I'll find it is all a mistake.
I remember so well the evening our kids received their orientation to WMS. I was so relieved to see you there and know our children would be together for the next 4 years. It helped us make the decision to attend.
The middle school years were good ones and we have good memories. I have a photo from graduation night of the "four Erin (Aaron)s" in 1997.
We are praying for you. May the Father of all compassion and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) bring you peace. 
Sincerely,
Bill and Marg Wendle Close

signs from around the bend  / Dee Rusty's Mom (none)
To Aarons' family.... I wanted to add a p.s. to my last message after having read down further and seeing the message from his dad about REGAP and signs.
PLEASE......... keep all your senses open and attentive as you can in this difficult time....my son left me so many signs and for his sister, dad, brother, friends that we eventually started a journal and kept track of them all.
We finally consulted an angelic reader and she made contact with him thru the angels....he let us know what he did and that it was him. there is no way the reader knew what he had done so we know that our son was letting us know for real.
For the first year he was around us constantly......the past few months has not been so much except when one of us in particular are having a bad day. And on special occasions.
I highly recommend you to all read  what you can on messages from The Other Side. 
We have been taught all our lives that we have eternal life. Our loved ones I think want to assure us that we do and that they are fine and happy on the Other side.
TRy to keep your eyes, ears, open, your sense of smell and remember, there is no such thing as a coincidence. He misses you all as much as you miss him.
I have had so many other parents tell me of their experiences with their children who have passed over and left signs and messages...I truly believe it is our children , loving us from beyond for always.. Love and the Lord's blessings be with you.... Close

I am so sorry for your loss  / Dee Fronce (none)
To Aaron's family......I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your son. I know the journey of grief you are traveling down only too well. My oldest son Rusty Soupene who suffered from depression due to head trauma took his own life in June of 2005.
Please know that there are people out here who care, that their prayers are with you all.
It has been a year and a half for me without my son. He was 28 when he passed. The first year is so hard, but please know that it does with time get better. You start to function again, albeit slowly sometimes. 
There are still those moments when you ask yourself and the Lord why me, why my son??? There are no answers why our children are gone from our sight......Just please know that they are at peace and Heaven is a better place because of them, their light will always shine for all to see.  
They are never any further than our hearts or memories. 
Your tears of grief will one day turn to tears of joy for having been graced with Aaron's presence in your lives.....your happy memories will far outweigh the painful ones.
While we never "get over" losing our children, we do eventually learn to live with it and live our lives and the rest of our time on this earth experiencing love , light and faith in their memory.
Keeping you all in my prayers.....may the Lord bring you comfort and peace and your hearts heal with your memory of Aaron's smiles and hugs... Close

Heaven has a new angel  / Julie Hancock (Friend of Aaron and Amanda )

I had the pleasure of knowing Aaron through Amanda.  He was a very patient and loving person, and trust me he had to be to be my friend.  I remember when Aaron and I would talk cars.  There was one night when he was desperately trying to explain what the function of a carburetor was, poor kid didn't know what he got himself into.  When I finally put the words fuel, ignite, and energy in the same sentence you would have thought I had just told him he won a million dollars.  He just refused to give up on me...he knew eventually it would just have to click with me.  After that night I don't think he ever talked to me about cars again.  We moved on to more to subjects that were much more simplistic...such as how to make his famous chilli. (He still had to write me step by step instructions)  I'll miss his knowledge, his understanding, and the love his and Amanda's presence brought to a room.  I am praying for his family, his friends, Amanda, and Heaven's new angel everyday.  He made this world a brighter place and I will never forget him.  God Bless you all!

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I'll Miss You  / Devon Cook (Little Brother )
    Aaron was the greatest brother you could ever ask for.  He meant so much to me, he was my favorite person to be around (Sorry Mom, and Dad).  I remember the Friday before he passed away I was in the car with my friend Nick, and I was talking about how Aaron might be moving to Madison (where I live) soon, and how much I wanted Nick to meet him, because Aaron was such a cool person.  (He always seemed like the coolest person in the world when I was little).
    Every time I would hear about a family get together the first thing I'd say would be "Is Aaron gonna' be there?"  If I got a yes I would be so excited, and not be able to wait to see him again.  If I got a no, I would get my parents to try and get him off work (the usual reason) or get him to make that his priority.  The thing I will always miss will be that I will never be able to ask "Is Aaron gonna' be there?" ever again.  But to make myself feel better, I just remember the good times I had with Aaron, how much he loved me, and how much fun he was to be around.

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So very sorry  / Sue Abderholden
I was so sorry to learn of his death.  What a tragic loss.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Close

I cannot believe it!  / Mollye Bright (Washington French teacher )

I still cannot believe that Aaron is gone. So much to give to the world, so young, so innocent.

The last time I saw Aaron was in Kroger. He still had that good-looking smile. He thought that I did not recognize him. But of course I did! I saw that wonderful smile for four years. He was always so happy.

I will miss you Aaron!

To Aaron's family: My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Mollye Bright

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Deepest Sympathies  / Lori Hofmeister (Friend of Aaron's Father )
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  I hope that you are able to take comfort from your friends and family and that you will not hesitate to reach out whenever you need an ear, a shoulder, or  a hand. Close

How Sunset Was Saved - A Dog's Tale -- Mentions REGAP and more . . .  / Charles Thomas Cook (Father)
I just added 11 new jpgs to the end of the Photo Album.

They comprise a story that Aaron wrote and illustrated in January, 1994, when he was 10 years old, for an assignment from Mrs. Johnson at Washington School.  I had completely forgotten about the story, until I saw it among his possessions, when we gathered up the belongings that had the most meaning to us, after his funeral, on Saturday evening.  But, now, I remember Aaron typing it up on my Performa computer one weekend when he was visiting me in Madison.

What I found most significant about the story is that it focused on the rescue of a greyhound; it actually mentions REGAP by name.  When we wrote Aaron's obituary on Wednesday, 1/31/07, we did not remember this organization and had to look up the name of a rescue group on the Internet.  I also find some significance in the racing number that Aaron chose when he drew the greyhound who is the subject of the story, Sunset.  The dog wore the number 24, which was Aaron's age when he passed away.  And, of course, the name "Sunset," itself, seems to have acquired a greater meaning, now, than it had 13 years ago when the story was written.

This and several other occurrences over the past 24 hours make the members of Aaron's immediate family feel like he is sending us signs from "around the bend" that all is well with him.  Close

A Tragic Loss of A Truly Bright Student  / Brent Goken (Former ICC Professor )

I had the privilege of teaching Aaron in our COMM 110 course at Illinois Central College a few semesters ago. Needless to say, he left a very positive impression. Several of his fellow students contacted me today with the news of his passing.    Aaron was extremely bright, witty, talented, and friendly.  He displayed a level of compassion for people that so few in this world have.   I can't imagine the pain that his family and friends feel, but if it's any consolation, I hope you realize that Aaron did much in the short time he was on this earth to accept and love people.  Our COMM 110 class was a diverse group of people filled with individuals of all walks of life.  Aaron always demonstrated an interest and respect for each person.  I especially enjoyed having him in class because he always laughed at my jokes and stories (even the lame ones).  He was a true gem of a person and I was very blessed to have him as a student.  My heart is heavy for his family and friends and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming months.

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A brother  / Elliott Zink (I know his brother )

I did not personally know Aaron Cook, however I do know his brother, Devon. It seems too bad I never got to, considering Devon is a great kid, and his brother must follow the same pattern. When I heard about his death from a friend of mine, it stayed on my mind, for I too have lost a sibling, which is something I rarely tell people. But, anyway, the loss of a sibling is something incomprehensible, something no one ever expects. And of all the family that we hold dear, it is our siblings, the ones we bicker with, the ones we blame in life, the ones that we torment or are tormented by are the ones that we can never give up. There is nothing closer than a brother, which makes it all the more painful to lose. I am a praying man, which sometimes comes in handy, but one thing is for certain, that he and his family will be in my prayers always.

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You'll never walk alone.  / Stephen Cranford (Friend of Aaron )

I met Aaron originally back in Cub Scouts, back when we were just two little kids, no worries in the world. I didn't get to know Aaron really well until Woodruff. When I met him for the second time, the first thing I wonder who was this guy with Tim? But after the first time I got to talk to him, the first time we realized we listen to the same music, the first time Mr. Johnson took us to a Rock Show at the Madison (Still one of the best memories seeing Mr. Johnson in the Pit!), I knew Aaron and I would be good friends. Whether we were bleaching each other's hair, going to the spotted cow to see if Dani or Erin would give us some free ice cream, or the MANY MANY accidents in my car, I knew I could depend on Aaron. I knew he was a true friend. Aaron, your friendship meant more to me than any words could ever describe. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for these past few years or when you needed someone the most. I'm sorry I never got to see you and Amanda in your happiest moments.  I just want you to know you always and will forever have a place in my heart, and as long as I live, I know you'll be with me and I'll never walk alone. Everyone here misses you, our litte city won't be the same without you. But we all know you're in a better place now. I know when my time comes,  I'll see you again, and maybe that day we'll back into that guy's car again just for laughs!

Until We meet again, I love you Forever,  
Steve 

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Wishing / T. J. (family)
Our hearts break continually for your loss and pain. We love Aaron. He was my G.I. Joe playmate and lazer-tag foe at grandma's house. Obviously, since college, and especially since we moved to Virginia, our paths crossed less and less. Nonetheless, when I did see him, I immediately recognized how mature he had become-yet, he was still the same Aaron. I will always remember how Aaron and Grandma interacted and joked-they both made me laugh so much. I miss them both.
I will always regret not being able to come down to Illinois this weekend to be with you and to pay tribute. Shannon and I pray daily that you will find grace from our Lord and that you will experience the compassion and love that Jesus Christ has for you in this difficult time.      T. J. & Shannon Close

Sorry for your loss!  / Paula Skoy &. Travis Evenson
Dear family and friends of Aaron,

Hi, my name is Paula and my husband is Travis.  We are 29 and 32 years old and live in Onalaska, Wisconsin, which is just north of
La Crosse.  We don't know Aaron or his family.  I read Aaron's obituary in the La Crosse Tribune and felt the need to offer my condolences.  I am a RN at one of the local hospitals in Inpatient Psychiatry and I am a strong advocate for mental health after working there almost 8 years.  Also, I was very excited to see memorials could be sent to help greyhounds.  We rescued our first greyhound in October 2005 and our second in Novemeber 2006 from Greyhound Pets of America-Wisconsin.  Bennett is a 90# white male with 2 small brindle spots and Mara is a 64# black female with a white star on her chest.  We are sending monetary gifts to NARSAD and REGAP of Illinois in memory of Aaron.  Remember to keep Aaron's memories alive during this difficult time in your lives.

Sincerely,
Paula & Travis Close

Condolences to Aaron's friends and family  / Tracy Griggs (friend of Thomas Cook )
I didn't know Aaron, but am a friend of his father, Thomas. I imagine he embodied the many wonderful qualties of his Dad, and I am certain he will be missed greatly. My condolences to the family and Aaron's friends. 
Tracy, Annapolis, Maryland
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Aaron will be missed  / Missy Kindred (Family)
Dear Janice, Katie, Jim, and all family/friends of Aaron,

I have been so touched reading all of the comments from Aaron's closest family and friends. I only now wish I could have known him better myself b/c he obviously touched so many people in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you during this time. As I sit here holding my new little girl in my arms, I feel the need to hold her even closer and cherish every moment we will have together here on Earth.  Life is so unpredictable and we should never take a second of it for granted!  I picture Aaron sitting with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jim in the back room of their house on Hardin and enjoying each other's company, only now that house is in Heaven. God bless!

Love, Missy and Morgan Close

Too young  / Kristina Britain (Friend)
    I remember meeting Aaron through Amanda. She was so happy when the relationship lasted longer than a month. The glow in her eyes and the constant smile on her face-she finally found someone that she could confide in. I remember her telling me about their first date-she was so giddy-and at the time is what nausiating how happy she was. It was awesome. I remember when Aaron got fired for not offering extra butter to customers. 

    He was a bright soul and far too young. My only hope for Aaron now is that he is happy. I hope all the pain he felt is gone-I hope is soul is at rest. We all loved you Aaron and you will be terribly missed. Close

Message from the heart  / Arno Loeffler (Childhood Doctor )
Memories of caring for the medical needs of Janice and her family flooded back into my mind upon hearing the tragic news about Aaron. I of course only knew him as the feisty young boy and adolescent, and that is how I will remember him. Janice, as the father of a 4 year old little girl now, I can truly imagine and feel the pain you are going through. You and the kids were always favorite patients of mine and I am sorry these circumstances would be reason for me to convey that to you. Please know that the caring heart I have has had a piece of it broken this day and that I am sending this message from that wound to yours in hopes of slightly soothing it. My deepest sympathy goes to the entire family and Aaron's friends. Close

deepest sympathy  / David Tapke (Friend from ICC )
I was a friend of aaron's during his time at ICC and would like to offer my sympathies to his parents and close friends. I will remember Aaron forever and will pay my respects how I know he will appreciate, by listening to some nine inch nails and relaxing by the TV. I only wish I could have known him better Close