Aaron's Death - Day 3

Still waiting.

Doctors are running more tests.
Aaron has no function in his brain.
He is blind.
Is there any hope?

Alateens from another state hear about Aaron.  They know him.  They pack up cars and bring t-shirt supplies for us to make memories of him.  I took a break from being with him and made one.

The family has decided it's the last day for students and friends to visit.  Doctors have given their final words.

There is no hope for recovery of any kind.

Aaron's final day has been decided.

At Easter the previous Sunday, our family shared the good news of Jesus Christ with Aaron at dinner. Each of us shared how we asked Jesus into our heart to forgive our sins and Aaron sat quietly and listened. He asked us some questions and listened some more. We never asked him if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart.  I wanted to make sure he was asked that question.

That day at the hospital I brought two pins. A cross and an angel. I brought the cross in case he could hear me ask him about Jesus.  I also brought my camera. I was able to have some alone time with Aaron. I walked to the head of his bed, looked at his face and said:

" Aaron, if you can hear me, I have a question to ask you. Last weekend we talked to you about Jesus and how he forgives us for our sins and when we ask him into our hearts to forgive us for our sins he does so and we're promised an Eternity in heaven when we die. Aaron if you would like to receive Jesus as your savior and forgiver of your sins and if you'd like for me to baptize you please give me a sign."

I watched Aaron's face and I watched Aaron's body and I looked back up at his face and a tear rolled down from his eye.

I started to cry. I licked my thumb and ran it across his forehead each time saying, "I  baptize you in the name of the Father, in the name of his son Jesus Christ, and in the name of the Holy Spirit."  I pinned the angel to his hospital gown.  I took the Cross pin,  held it on his hand and took a picture.  Then I pinned the cross next to the angel.

I believe Aaron accepted Jesus that day.  So do many others who have heard this story.  There was one witness in the room with me.  His parents were very grateful I had done that with Aaron.

Only God, who loves us so much, can reach us in our darkest hour.

Aaron's Death - Days 1 & 2

It's the eighth year anniversary of my 18 year old nephew Aaron's unexpected death.  We're on the second of five days that he laid in I.C.U. having been revived without oxygen - without a heartbeat for ten minutes.  Revived but unresponsive.

I remember the phone call.  The drive to the hospital.  Praying before I walked in.

Both families gathered.  Friends.  Students.  Waiting.  Hoping.  Praying.

What happened?  How did he get here?

He was huffing propane in the back of a friend's car and stopped breathing.  They pulled over, called 911 and performed CPR.  The ambulance arrived. 

I sat with my nieces.  Talked with my nephews and sisters.  Listened to my brother-in-law give us updates.  I was asked if I wanted to see Aaron by myself.  I did.

I walked back to his area.  He was laying so still.  No movement at all.  Tubes breathing for him.  I talked quietly.  I placed my hand on his head and sensed nothing. 

Going home that night, I knew the week ahead was going to be long and emotional.  I asked God to help me serve my family well and to be a source of comfort.

The second day Aaron had his own room.  Droves of his friends were coming by and it was heartbreaking.  Comforting them with our own tears, warm eyes and hugs was all we could do.  They expected him to be fine.

More tomorrow.