His friends are turning 22, Aaron is 18 forever. They're moving on to be what they will be, do what they will do.
When Aaron was growing up, from his earliest days in school and on, Cathy and I encouraged Aaron to know that his imagination was a blessing. Traditional classrooms, courses of black and white answers of right and wrong were difficult places and subjects for Aaron. His mind sparkled in philosophical discussions. Why, if, and what about, are the language of people like Aaron. Big picture people ask "Why not?" and put out big ideas. The detail people make those ideas happen. Aaron was a big picture person with a big idea. McGyver, a hero of his youth, was a problem solver. The problems he solved saved lives, got him out of trouble, and tight spots. McGyver would be proud of Aaron's big idea.
Five years ago Aaron's world spiraled out of control all summer into the fall. Marijuana became his obsession. The uniformed are perplexed by the idea that "just pot" could be the culprit. This is not the recreational drug of the '60's and '70's. It's a highly addictive, powerful chemical. As a gateway drug, it's a gateway to death all by itself. In 2005 Aaron knew he needed a plan to live with his addiction. Aaron was in a tight spot and he knew it. The troubles in the world related to drugs and abuse of addictive substances were not Aaron's concern. What was he going to do about himself in the world was his concern.
I know what I want to do. I'm going back out to Oregon. I'm going to go to Bend Community College and live with some friends from MBA. We'll get a house, get jobs, go to school, and keep each other sober. Our counselors are nearby. It'll work because no one knows what we go through like we do. The plan seemed reasonable to me. Back then, I didn't know the plan was clinically sound for the recovering addict. Living with peers in recovery, working, seeing counselors, and building on education make up a powerful solution to a deadly problem.
Aaron didn't live to live his idea but other people are living his vision. The Aaron House in Madison, thanks to Aaron and many smart people, is home to young men who like Aaron know living is better than dieing and peer support is better than going it alone. My son wasn't blessed with long life. A high grade point average and college were beyond his reach. By being as Ghandi said, "...the change you want to see in the world", Aaron showed his wisdom. There is enough knowledge in the world to combine with big ideas to solve problems.
Aaron was a fun guy who wanted to know "why not, and why can't". He was good for the earth. Aaron's idea is good for anywhere. Aaron House doesn't solve the problem. It is part of the solution and that's enough.
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