In loving memory of Aaron

On July 21, 2020, our classroom tragically lost a beloved student. It's been three years since Aaron Michael Klinger left this world. He had just turned 13.

On behalf of Aaron's family, we would like to thank everyone who has offered their love and prayers as we all continue the incredibly difficult journey of grief and healing.

The dollars raised through this fund will go directly to planting a memorial tree and installing a memorial plaque at LaPrelle Park. Any additional funds will be given directly to the family.

Dear Aaron,

These past three years have been a roller coaster ride, dear child. The day we found out that you were no longer with us, it felt as if we had been punched right in the gut- we assumed that somoene would tell us this was just a cruel joke and you were just home sick and would be back at the start of the next school year.

We cried. We held each other. We cried more.

We wrote letters to you, made a photo album full of your smiles, and spent as much time as we could supporting your Grandmas, your cousin, and your brother. My goodness, your family loved you so incredibly much.

We shared our favorite memories of you, and we still do.

Since then, there are days when we look at your empty desk space and hurt all over again. Sometimes, it feels like you’ve always been gone. Other times, it feels like you'll walk through our classroom door and we’ll see your subtle smile tomorrow.

This summer, we plan to plant a tree in your loving memory. We will put it in Laprelle Park, right across from the school where you loved to go. Each person that walks by will be reminded of your spirit and how much you mattered. How much you still matter, and always will.

As the tree grows, we'll be able to see you in the limbs- offering shade and comfort to anyone who needs to spend a little time under your branches.

We think you would have loved that.

Ms. Yazzy wrote you a poem just after your death:

"entering this world through pain

traded off as if you were nothing to gain

this broken world let you slip through its cracks,

until it felt like you’d fallen flat

little did you know,

you had mountains to climb and skies to soar. the world was not ready for what you had in store.

you leaped from those mountaintops

you soared through the sky

you brought joy to those around

even when your demons had you bound

this world is unkind to people with unique minds

but you flew so high,

you’re now the little boy in the sky."

We all loved you so much. We still do.

Sincerely,

Your teachers and your friends