| Judy O | Sending our love | March 19, 2008 |
Sheri - It was so good to talk to you the other night! Email is great, but nothing beats talking. Wish we could visit more in person. I hope you know how often I think of you and your family and wish I could lessen your pain. You're doing an amazing job of keeping Aaron's spirit alive, and I know you always will. Hang in there... Everyone loves you guys so much and we're all here for you.
Much love,
The O'Connors
| Lauren Brutsch | Gone From My Sight | February 13, 2008 |
| natalia | miss you | February 7, 2008 |
stratz family,
i miss you guys soo much, not a day goes by that i dont think about all of you. im so sorry i havent been over lately, and i think about that everyday. but for some reason i just cant. everytime im about to call you guys i just start crying. i always just think about all the memories at the house, and just how much fun we all had together. im really sorry its been a while, but i want to see all of you soon. please dont take it personal, or think that i havent thought about it, because i really have. it kills me so much knowing that i havent been there for you guys lately. but everytime i start feeling better theres some holiday or something that just sets me back again. but im going to try to visit you guys really soon. i miss and love all of you soo much.
| Caitlin | Friend of Aaron's | November 8, 2007 |
I just wanted to tell you how incredible of a woman you are. I truly admire you and your family with all my heart. I never got the chance to meet you, or talk to you at the funeral service, but i live down the street on
Thinking of you,
Caitlin
| Ilenia C. | I Know.... | June 30, 2007 |
Mr. and Mrs. Stratz, Ben,
I know that people are saying "I am so sorry", but I know what that feels like. Of course losing Aaron doesn't meen he isn't there. Which Im sure you've already realized, but Aaron was my big brothers best friend. The moment I was in the car going home with my mom, I figured something was wrong. She told me that something very bad has happened. When she finally said it - my mouth dropped and stayed that way the whole way home. I asked so many questions, very few answers. I truely am so sorry. There have been times that I've cryed, but I have no idea what it really feels like. Again, I am sooo sorry. I enjoy listening to Alessio telling me some of the funny times they had. We are all praying for you. If you need a friend, our arms are always open. we <3 u as much as Aaron
- Ilenia speaking as to part of my family
| Laura Edmondson | As a mom | June 8, 2007 |
I know they say that time will heal the hurt and pain of such an incredable loss. Aaron had such personality.. such wit and what a smile! We talk about him and I really cannot believe how different our neighborhood is without him. I miss him. I know that you miss him. There are not alot of words that can describe the feelings that we share.. and then how can I even ever imagine your loss .. Only know that I am here.. I can listen, cry, laugh, talk.. whatever you may need Sheri.
I want you to know, no matter, what I am here for you. You and Marc will continue to be in my prayers. Be there for one another..One day at a time.
With love.
Laura
| Kathryn | Smile, open your eyes, love and go on | May 23, 2007 |
“You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
‘You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
‘You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
‘You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
I am so very sorry for your loss. At this point I know there is nothing anyone can do or say to comfort you during this time of grief. All you can do is ask “why?” I have been doing that ever since I found out. I just hope that this little poem doesn’t upset you, but instead brings you joy and keeps you remembering all the experiences and times you shared with him. He made his mark on this world and that was made possible only because of you, his family, his inspiration. It’s all so sensitive and new right now and believe me, if anyone knows how it feels to suffer a loss, I do. I can never imagine losing what you and your family lost, but I’ve been through my share and that is why I am writing you this letter with the deepest of sympathy. I truly hope that with time, things aren’t such a blur of unanswered questions for everyone. Take care of yourselves and your family and live the rest of your life knowing that when he was born, you were crying and the world rejoiced. You all made it possible for him to live his life in a manner so that when he passed; the world cried and mourned; but he still lives on anti he is still rejoicing.
With all the sympathy one can give,
Kathryn
| Oblers | Thoughts From The Memorial Celebration | May 23, 2007 |
| Michelle | angel | May 23, 2007 |
It amazes me it has been a month. Please watch over your family today and hold them tight. You will be the light that guides the rest of their journeys in life. The angel that is always one step behind. I wanted to share an exerpt from the eulogy of an angel I am sure you have met. ~~~~( in her words) " I love you more than you know, pray for you more than you can imagine, and hope that I will see you soon on earth or in heaven. I know this has ended abruptly, but take some time to think about it and then talk to me."
Keep Rockin' kiddo!
| Natalia | I love all of you | May 20, 2007 |
The Stratz Family,
The first time I met all of you was when Aaron and I started dating, and I just feel love with all of you. I didnt just fall inlove with all of you because you were just so sweet to me, but you guys reminded me of my family. I remember the first time I went out to dinner with all of you and everyone was eating off eachothers plates and it was so funny because thats exactly what my family does. We always had the same morals and I think thats why our families got along so well.
Either I was always over at your house or Aaron was over here. Aaron was apart of our family, and I felt like I was apart of yours. Going over to your house makes me feel at home. I love just talking to all of you, and like you have said Sheri, even though we were close because of Aaron doesnt mean we still can't be. and thats how i feel it should be. You guys will always be apart of my life. I know Aaron has had many first kisses and many girlfriends, but I feel a huge part because we were eachothers first love. I can't thank you all enough for driving us everywhere we need to go, cooking for us, watching all the movies, making messes in your house, and just for being so sweet. Mark, ill never forget all of us watching the movie 300 together, Aaron was so proud to show you this movie. You never been anything but sweet to me and i've gotten to know you so much more lately and i love talking to you. You always have a great attitude for everything. Sheri, I come to you with all my problems. I love just sitting on the patio and talking to you. And some how you always get me to eat even though im never hungry. And Ben, I remember you making egg burritos for us in the morning, us playing Cranium with you, you calling us in your room to show us something funny, or just came in to talk to us. I am so sorry for everything. He was such a great person, and i would never change those memories for anything. I hope we will still stay really close, and i will still be coming over all the time. You all know if you ever need anything you can call me. I love all of you very much, and Im always here for all of you.
