My buddy Jere lately went on an Alaskan cruise.
Whereas strolling on a path at Icy Strait Level, my buddy discovered an eye catching river rock resting on a rock wall. It match within the palm of his hand, most likely about 4 inches in diameter.
One facet of the rock revealed {a photograph} of a boy who gave the impression to be about 12 or 13 years outdated holding a skateboard and sporting a black and grey Fox Racing hoodie and grey baseball cap.
The opposite facet of the rock revealed the next:
“In reminiscence of Aiden 2001 — 2023
Aiden was part of a household of 6
who liked to journey. Sadly, Aiden
handed away earlier than he was capable of
go on all of the life adventures
he wished to. Take him with you on
an journey and inform us the place he received to go.
#aidensadventures2023.”
After studying about Aiden and his quick life, Jere positioned the rock in his pocket, and later posted a photograph of his treasure on Fb.
And that’s the place I met Aiden.
“Take him with you on an journey and inform us the place he received to go,” his household wrote.
I then checked out #aidensadventures2023.
I discovered pictures of Aiden at completely different ages in numerous outfits on every rock. After which there have been the messages:
Jere’s message on July 28: “I wished to let Aiden’s household know that he was with me in Vancouver and has made his manner again to Palm Springs, CA.”
Brenda’s message on July 25: “Aiden received to expertise youth camp at Luther Bible Camp. He loved canoeing, night worships, laughing, studying about God, campfires and smores.”
Mary’s message on July 5: “We took Aiden’s rock to the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco, CA. The gate on the entrance represents coming by way of, leaving the chaos of the world behind, and getting into a spot of concord, serenity and peace. We left Aiden’s rock on a bench close to the Zen Backyard.”
Evan met Aiden at Mormon Row outdoors Jackson, NY.
Rachel and her companions discovered Aiden at Mt. Olympus Water Park.
Some folks continued their journey with Aiden and others left Aiden in a brand new place, just like the Zen Backyard for the subsequent particular person to search out.
Once I first referred to as Jere to ask concerning the rock, I may barely speak by way of my tears. He thought somebody had died.
The phrases on the rock pierced my coronary heart. They had been nicely chosen and fantastically crafted, and so poignant about life itself. Jere agreed.
I’m at all times enveloped by overt disappointment when a youngster dies. I mourn for the life not lived, the phrases not spoken, and the concepts not shared.
And naturally, the adventures not taken.
I do, nevertheless, acquire a lot peace understanding that individuals from all around the nation and maybe past will take Aiden to new and thrilling locations, like my buddy, Jere: “I’m going to tuck him in my pocket and take him all over the place I’m going.”
