I remember  / Edie Brereton (French teacher )
I remember you Aaron.  I remember your very sweet smile and your so very pleasant personality.  You were a teacher's  dream, so full of promise.  Your parents can be very proud of the fine young man that you became.  May peace be with you, Aaron.  To your family, I send my heartfelt condolences.  May God's grace grant you all wonderful memories of the best of times and  speed the healing of your grief.

Most sincerely, 
Mrs. Brereton Close

we will all miss you  / Joel Wilson (co-worker)

I may not have known Aaron for years, but in the time that I knew him he was a good friend and could always make me laugh.  Whenever he would walk up to me he would smile, and the only thing you could do was smile back and wonder what he was thinking or what happened or what he did.   It was always amusing to me when he would just pop his head around the wall at work and say, "Whatcha doin?"  That's when you knew he wanted something.  His nickname at work from me was Beaker from The Muppets because of his humorous actions and facial expressions.  He always gave me good advice and would also come to me for some advice as well.  Several times during the work day I still wait for him to pop his head around the corner and ask me "whatcha doin."  He would always talk about his younger, "bigger" brother, and how he studied martial arts.  He always said his little brother could kick his butt.  His friends and family are in my prayers.  He will be greatly missed.

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paul's mum  / Angela Mckernan
i lost my son paul on the 12thjan.1 month before his 24th birthday. i found this poem and would like to share it
when a child loses a parent they are called an orphan,
when a man loses his wife he is called a widower,
when a woman loses her husband she is called a widow,
but there is no name for a parent who loses a child,
because no-one can describe the pain.

god bless xx Close

If only, if only...  / Shannon Kriegshauser (Friend of Aaron's Mother )
I am so sorry for you, my friend Janice, Jim and Katie. So sorry for the sadness and shock that hurts your hearts in this, the midst of winter. How could you have guessed. I hurt for you and am holding you even more dearly in my heart. Close

We will miss you  / Deb Kreeger (Neighbors of Janice and Jim )
In the short time that we knew Aaron, we could tell he was a genuinely good person.  His parents are and should be proud of him for the things he achieved and the mark he made on so many.  Larry and I had so much fun dropping by Reid's Mobil this past summer and talking to him as he worked about the shop.  He seemed pretty happy about getting so dirty! We were truly happy for him when he moved up to Toyota as one of their mechanics.  He will be missed by so many....We're glad that we crossed his path here on Earth...  The Kreegers Close

My love  / Amanda Welsh (girlfriend)
My sweetest boy, my best friend and love of my life, my everything, my reason, words will never describe what we had.  From the moment we locked eyes it was the focus of my life to have you, keep you, love you.  I remember our first date painting the storage room of Willow Knolls and painting our initials together, knowing even then it was a forever thing.  You took me to meet your mom and it was the biggest honor of a lifetime that you were crazy enough about me to let me meet your favorite person in the world.  I remember two weeks after we started dating I knew I loved you and didn't want to freak you out and tell you.  I was nervous and we drove to one of our secret places and you suddenly spit out "I love you."  From then on I didn't doubt for a single minute that you were it for me.  
Every minute I spent with you I loved you.  And we had a fantastic, crazy and beautiful love.  The kind of love people hope for their whole lives.  We went through harsh times together, pulling each other through and holding on tight.  I will treasure every single second I had with you.  From our first kiss to our last and the thousands in between.  You treated me like a queen, like a goddess and you made me happier than you could ever imagine. 
We shared every single thought and secret together.  I remember we'd put in a CD and lay on the living room floor telling each other secrets.  We'd hike up to the quarry and hold each other. We danced in the kitchen.  We cried and laughed together.  Our trips together were my favorite.  You and I in the car, with our music and our conversations.  We knew each other better than ourselves.  You believed in me more than I ever believed in myself and because of this, you've taught me to be strong and courageous and to believe in myself and I am forever grateful for that.
You meant the absolute world to my family and our friends.  When our families hit it off right away we were so happy, because we felt as though we were one family.  I'm forever grateful for my relationship with your family and you were a brother to Lee and Rich and a son to mom and dad.  And you were Connor's favorite person in the world.  You never hesitated to help my family, I know you loved them and they love you more than worlds can describe.
I'll miss my morning forehead kisses the most.  Or the nuzzle of your face scruff on my neck.  You never, ever failed to make me feel like I was the most beautiful person in the world. No one will ever make me laugh the way you did and I don't think anyone will ever enjoy my laugh like you did.  I treasure every single memory with you and you will always be the true love of my life.  The way your face lit up the first time you saw the Pacific Ocean.  You jumped out of the car and ran for it.  You kissed me and said "This whole ocean sees our love."  Our special spot on Highway 101.  
Every secret, every moment with you made me a better person.  I will carry you with me forever because I can feel you with me.  Your arms around me, whispering in my ear.  Every second we had meant the world to me and I'm broken right now, but you always told me I was the strongest person you knew and you will get me through life because of the love you gave me.
You are the love of my life and I will always cherish our love, our secrets, our inside jokes, our giggles, our music and your lips on my face.
My sweet baby, I love you forever.   Thank you for loving me.  It was the greatest gift I will ever receive.  I love you, I love you, I love you. Close

His was a gentle soul.  / Matthew Clark (Former Teacher )
AC was one of those students I liked to think was my friend after he left school.  Close

Condolences / Omar Javed (Aaron's father's friend )
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Omar Close

Pleasure was all Mine  / Kevin Joseph (friend of Aaron )

Only knew you for too short of a time. I'll never forget the huge hugs we enjoyed everytime you and Amanda would meet me and Ashley at the bar.  You were a great friend and the pleasure of your presence was entirely all mine.  I love you Aaron and will never forget the joy you gave me to be a good friend of yours. R.I.P.

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You are all in my prayers.  / Ann Best (friend of Aaron's parents )
There are no words to express my sadness at your loss.  What a beautiful young man, so like my own.  My prayers are with all of you. Close

The Meaning of Life  / Charles Thomas Cook (Father)

When Robert F. Kennedy was trying to make sense of his older brother’s death, and how he could go on with his life, he turned to the words of the Greek poet, Aeschylus, who said:

"In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

I hope that all of us have a gained a greater measure of wisdom, now that several days have passed since we learned of the death of my son, Aaron.

I hope the young people who have visited this web site – all of Aaron’s friends, have learned that you are all surrounded by the bright light of God’s love and care. When we look at Aaron’s Memorial web site, we can see so many expressions of love from Aaron’s friends and family. I firmly believe that your love has released his Spirit from this earthly plane and has hastened Aaron in his journey towards the Light. I ask that all of you remember how brightly your love shines for him and that you bestow that love upon all around you in his memory, so that you help create a culture of life and so that the care you show for each other will help get you over the rough spots in your own lives.

I hope that my family and friends know and understand how much your words and actions have meant to me over the last week and all through my life, especially the love and kindness shown to me by my dear wife, Marjorie and her brother Tim and his family. You have given me the strength and courage to endure. 

When I was in my own hour of need, 25 years ago, my family rescued me and gave me the wonderful life that I have had ever since. I thank Ruth, Jim, Janice and Bob McSherry, as well as my mother, brother Dennis, and brother-in-law Mark Cobb for helping get me past that bad spot in my life. Because of what they did for me then, I got to see Aaron grow up to be a fine young man who had so much promise when he left us; I was able to develop a strong relationship with my beautiful daughter, Katie; and I was so happy that Devon got to come into this world and grow up with Aaron, because he wanted to be just like his older brother and has deep and abiding interests that are similar to Aaron’s.

And finally, I hope all of us can move forward with our lives, realizing that Aaron is not here, any more, but has traveled in spirit through the astral plane, and is now sitting somewhere in the ethereal heavens with his Grandpa and Grandma McSherry. I can picture Grandpa McSherry putting his arm around Aaron and reading to him from a favorite book, while Grandma gets him a piece of pie. And I can imagine that, after he partakes of that sweetness, Aaron getting up to go outside to stand with Grandpa Cook to smoke a cigarette.

We will miss your physical presence, Aaron, but you will always be with us in Spirit.

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My Thoughts and Prayers are with you.  / Mark McGinn (Friend of Janice )
Janice and family,

I was saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you during this trying time.

Mark McGinn Close

Letter from heaven  / Rachel Jackson (visitor to site )
To my Dearest Family,











Some things I'd like to say, But first of all to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God Above. There's no more tears of sadness; There is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night. That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me and said, "I Welcome You, It''s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on." "I need you here badly, you're part of my big plan. There's so much that I have to do, to help our mortal man." God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years. Because you are only human the are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that i could tell you that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over, I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. there are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain; then you can say you to god at night... "My day was not in vain." And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way I made someone smile. So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free. Remember your not going...you're coming here to me...
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We love you guys - you are in our prayers  / Kim, Jason, Canaan &. Eden Anderson (Friend of Thomas, Marjorie & Devon )
Dear Thomas, Marjorie & Devon,

We are so sorry ... we wish we could absorb some of your pain. But as we learned not too long ago ourselves, pain will pass and memories of all the best that Aaron had to give will surface to occupy the most precious places in your hearts. And no one can take that away from you - ever.

Love you all so much,
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Thinking of You  / Bob And Shirley York (Friends of Aaron's Father )

Your family is in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. 

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Peace be with you...  / Stefani Blackford (Friend of Amanda's )
I only met Aaron a few times before I moved from Illinois, but what I do remember was that he was very caring and funny and loved Amanda dearly.  He and Amanda watched me cats for a week and did such a good job and took care of things for me.  He will always be remembered and I hope he now has peace.  Close

Words can never express  / Kathy Millard (Friend of Janice/neighbor )

The loss of a child is the most pain any mother could possibly have, and I am so very sorry for your pain. I hope and pray that you can get through the pain with the help of all who loved Aaron. Everyone here in the neighborhood will be here for you. Please call me if I can help you in any way. Please come down and sit on my porch with me, I would love it. I am praying for your family.

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My condolences from New York.  / Reginald Jordan (family)
When Dad called and told me of the loss, I too was so shocked and sad.  It has been many years since I saw Aaron because of my moves to Chicago and now NYC.  But I remember him being a wonderful and playful kid, and it is clear he grew into a wonderful and caring young man, loved by all, who will be sorely missed.  

It has been a long time since I have seen many of you, in fact.  I offer my deepest sympathies, and am very sorry I cannot make it back to Illinois to be with family to help console you.   Aaron and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. -- Reggie.



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thinking of you  / John Walker (freind-co worker )

In the short time aaron was in my life at work, if i needed a good
laugh aaron would be happy to provide it, he was not just a 
co-worker to us in the shop, he was our (brother) an important 
part of our family. now when i think about aaron i get sad and 
even cry a little, but then i think about the good times myself
and others in the shop had with aaron and laugh. i will always 
see aaron as a brother to me and will miss him every day for 
the rest of my life. i know he is in a better place now and knowing that gives me peace of mind knowing he is in the arms of our lord. i pray every night and now i will add my freindship with aaron to 
my prayers and thank god for the privilage of aaron cook in my 
life.

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Condolences / Jean Robertson (Friend of Aaron's Dad )

I was so very sorry to hear about Aaron.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  

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