Tribute to Our Son, Aaron
It is hard to believe tomorrow is our son’s 40th birthday. As we are driving to celebrate Aaron’s fourth decade we have reminisced of yesteryears.
As a youngster, Aaron loved Puff, a stuffed bear. Everywhere Aaron was, Puff was with him. Puff was so well loved he lost most of his stuffing. Grandma tried to patch and mend Puff as much as she could, but Puff was loved until he was nothing more than shreds. Dad got Aaron a new Puff similar to the original old Puff only it was white instead of brown. But to Aaron it just wasn’t quite the same and it stayed at home while the shreds of Puff were cherished. Gradually, though he started carrying both of them around.
Aaron was a very tender-hearted and thoughtful child. He played well with other children and was especially good with younger children. But sometimes he would get ahead of himself and Dad would tell him, “pay attention.” One time mom wasn’t doing something he thought was quite right and Aaron told her, “Pay for kitchen, pay for kitchen!” Marty thought for a moment and realized, “He’s telling you, ‘Pay Attention!’”
Aaron and Dad enjoyed a father son bowling tournaments together. They were consistently at the top until Dad broke his bowling arm. They did not remain at the top with Dad bowling with the “wrong” arm.
I entered Aaron’s life when he was 11 years old. We got along well. I am not a good bowler but was often with them and attempted to bowl. But I was not any competition for either of them. It was fun all the same.
During the first year Marty and I were married, we went camping about once a month during Marty’s dirt bike desert racing events. I always liked it when Aaron joined us. I like to participate in the activities but am not a very good spectator. Aaron kept me entertained in between the two times Marty came by on his motorcycle during the entire 2-3 hour racing events.
Aaron also liked to be in the kitchen and so of course that makes for fun times for both of us! The very first time I had Roasted Asparagus was served us by Aaron and it was delicious!
When Dawn was born, Aaron was a wonderful big brother! Dawn was very fond of Aaron. They spent time together for the first two years of Dawn’s life, but then due to her health conditions we had to move to Florida and they could not spend as much time together after that.
Aaron graduated high school with a full college scholarship to the college of his choice. He was very gifted with science and consider engineering, but with a little persuasion from his girlfriend, Jodee, he decided to pursue his true passion, religion, at Bible Baptist College in Springfield, MO.
He and Jodee were married in 2007.
He began his career in Texas, and the church members loved him. To this day, I hear, they secretly hope one day Aaron will come back and be their senior pastor.
We had the privilege of attending his ordination while he was in Stephensville, TX. Shortly after his ordination he moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to plant a church there. While he was in New Mexico, their daughter Kinli was born, and they went to West Virginia to adopt her and bring her home. We were soon on the road as well to New Mexico to meet our new granddaughter!
Currently Aaron is the Pastor of Concho Baptist Church in Coleman, Texas. He is much loved and appreciated by his congregation and they have arranged his 40th Birthday celebration.
Happy 40th Aaron! We are very proud of you! May God bless you with many more years and a deeper love for Him year by year. And one day may you walk into Heaven like Enoch did!
Lovingly,
Dad and Dana
Dana West, RDN, LD thrives on helping her amazing clients get a new lease on life by embracing health and conquering disease, living with renewed energy and enthusiasm, through learning to cooperate with God, Our Chief Physician. If you’re desiring to improve your weight, health markers, sleep, or energy so you can live life to the fullest again – then join Better Together: A Monthly Health Challenge Club. Wanna Join? Deets Here
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