When Aaron was young the neighborhood was filled with his friends all on course to graduate in June 2005. For years our families talked about what would be a neighborhood graduation party for these kids who were closest friends. When the party day arrived, I was home with a broken heart. The happy sounds coming from the neighbor's parties ripped emotions through me. Grief included sadness, guilt for not being happy for the other families, shame, jealousy, envy, resentment, self pity. I did stop in at 3 parties, managed to be graceful, and left each more broken than before. I tried to keep two boxes of tissues in my car that summer and still I'd have only my shirt tail to sob into.
Yesterday, the guys at Aaron's House held a graduation celebration. One of the guys graduated from the UW. A biochemistry major, now employed as an assistant scientist in his field of study. In the midst of his friends, family, and housemates, I felt the remarkable peace of a meaningful celebration of life. Four of the five student residents of Aaron's House were on hand for the celebration. The fifth was at home for a family obligation----right where he is supposed to be. Remarkable. The gratitude of the parents and family members fills my heart with gladness. The laughter and banter of the young people washes away the memories of those unforgettable days; days which are important for the motivation they inspired.
This morning I know how remarkable peer support in a home environment is for young people in college and in recovery. I saw it, heard, felt it, touched it. Everything does not happen for a reason, but every good thing comes from good people being remarkable in giving something to another person. For eleven years I've been feeling one arm empty. Not anymore. My arms are remarkably full.
Aaron's House. A place where guys in recovery get well and get smart in college. Peace to all of the families who have been remarkable since 2007.
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