Final Resting Place for Aaron- busy week ahead
When you’re young and death seems so far away, you just don’t see the need for a plan. When my brother (24) was killed a few weeks ago, the family had to scramble to figure out how to bury a young father and husband who had no life insurance or will. His wife held a beautiful non-denominational memorial and he was then cremated. The time has come for Aaron to have his formal Catholic mass in the church he was confirmed in exactly 7 days before his death.
This Thursday, Aaron will have his cremated body laid in its final resting place. This couldn’t come at a better time as Benn and I have been inundated with family funerals this fall- being able to visit Aaron every weekend after mass is heartwarming. I can’t even express the relief that closing this chapter brings- he deserves having the community share communion as he receives his final rites. Benn and I will be extremely busy this week as we host more out of towners, prepare fresh eulogies, coordinate funeral and burial efforts and balance normal business so please forgive me if I’m slow to blog.
I want to personally invite all of you Austinites to his Memorial Mass at St. Thomas More on November 15th. The Rosary will begin at 7pm and the Mass will begin at 7:30pm where he will be laid to rest, followed by a reception on site. I sincerely thank you all for your time, fundraising and most importantly for your prayers. Amen.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:48 am
This story has moved me in so many ways, and enriched me and given me faith in our industry, and softened my heart. I have realized how valuable “mere” business relationships can be.
This week, I have spoken with a few providers of insurance to see about buying a life insurance policy @ closing for all of my first time home buyer clients, mostly because of Aaron, and mostly because of the paycheck to paycheck nature of young people.
I came to RE blogging at about the time of his death, and i was so amazed by this…
November 12th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Lani - I have marked the date and time in my calendar and I will be there in spirit - please count on my prayers.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Rest in peace Aaron.
Our thoughts are with you Lani, Aleshia, Eleanor and Mackenzie and all of Aaron’s family, friends and those he touched.
I wish I could have met him, but I feel like I know him.
November 12th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Chris- please keep me updated about this- I think you have an amazing idea!!! Maybe you could start a trend!
Ines- thank you, I really do appreciate that
Jay- I can always count on you to show up when it’s time. You have been one of God’s biggest blessings throughout this loss. Thank you sincerely.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Sorry for your loss…thoughts and prayers with you and your brother’s family to pull through these trying times.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Chris: Are we kin?
I love the idea. I think that some lenders have mortgage life insurance that you could contribute at closing. I do not think this type if insurance has medical requirements, especially for young whippersnappers.
November 13th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
it doesn’t, and you can buy five years of term life for almost nothing-less than $100 for under 25…
November 13th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Lani,
Only just learnt the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem sempiternam.
Mark in England.
November 14th, 2007 at 1:44 am
Thank you for your kind words, Mark (thank God for online translators).
God Bless,
Lani
November 15th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Thinking of you and your family today, Lani…
November 17th, 2007 at 12:30 am
Jennifer, thank you so much.
Y’all, I have to tell you that last night was amazing. It was beautiful and perfect- Aaron received his Final Rites and was laid to rest in a beautiful, serene ceremony in our Catholic tradition.
Thanks AGAIN for everything you’ve all done for me and my family. God bless.
November 21st, 2007 at 3:10 am
I don’t quite know what to say…I read the background on this story and comments…I just wanted to say that I was touched by your post.
Bradley
The Egel Nest
November 21st, 2007 at 9:06 am
Bradley, thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate your comment.