May, 2003

May 21st was one year since your accident and we planned a very special day for you. Barbara Caprara, Melissa and I rented a van and picked you up around 11. When we were ready to leave the van had a dead battery and we had to jump start it. We then went to Roland’s and you had a very successful visit with him. Only time will tell but I believe he can help you. I will do whatever it takes Aaron to bring you back to us. We love you so much and are very proud of you. Your fight to live has been the driving force behind what gets me up in the morning and keeps me going. I pray that I will stay strong and be there for you every step of the way. After Roland’s we took you for a haircut and then we went to Aun’t Ginny’s for dinner. Grandma and PopPop were there and Dad came after work. You were so calm and had this peace about you. One can only hope that as you wake up more you will have an easy transition and will not have to go through the frustration and anger that sometimes follows.

When we arrived home that night there was a letter waiting from the high school asking to attend the sports awards banquet on the 4th of June. They asked us to accept an award for you in your honor. I will do whatever is necessary to get through the 3rd and 4th Aaron. You worked so hard to get to this point and it is important for people to remember who you are and everything you stand for. We will make you proud and will video tape all of these special moments so one day you will be able to see them and remember.

There are going to be many changes at the center in the next month or so. You will be moving to another wing and they are adding 20 new beds in the wing you are in now. It is going to be an extension of Pediatrics and I keep thinking that one day you will be able to give something back and help those children. Maybe this is what God has in store for you, this will be a way that you can bring a little joy and happiness to their lives.
You will be getting new furniture and newly painted room and blinds on the windows. I am going to redo your room and make it very special for you. Some of the pictures and posters I will bring home and put in your bedroom and your special plaques and pictures I will hang in your new room.

It is now time for all the special events at the high school and how I wish you could be there. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do because you won’t be there with us. Today is June 3rd and it is scholarship night. Mrs. Salamone prepared a special tribute to you and our family and we will present 2 scholarships to 2 of your classmates who we felt resembled your qualities and likenesses. The 2 recipients are Patsy Ciccone and Adrianne Smith. The night was very emotional especially when Mrs. Salamone got up to make the presentation. She was so powerful and so well spoken, there was not a dry eye in the place. Patsy and Adrianne came over to speak to us and thanked us and Patsy felt he was not worthy.

Today is June 4th and it is the Sports awards banquet and I am sure it will be another emotional evening. I told Daddy he had to go up and get your award because it was the Father thing to do. However, Mr. Vara had other plans and when they announced your name they said Aaron’s Mom will accept this award on your behalf. I stood up and could not believe that everyone in the hall was standing and applauding for us. I say us because these past 2 nights are all about you and this is why we have been doing these things for you. Your friends have been very compassionate and caring throughout this most difficult time. You are truly blessed Aaron and one day I pray you will come to know all this. That is why I am writing in this journal for you.

I know now how much your friends truly do love you and miss you, it was evident in your yearbook. The tribute to you was so beautiful and well deserved.