It’s Thursday, and this week, we are honored to feature Aidan, longtime LIE reader Lyonside’s son. As many of you may recall, Aidan passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in late 2011. He would have celebrated his first birthday this month.
Of this photo and her decision to share it here, Lyonside writes:
“I really do want to share his happy smiling face with the ARP/LIE family, so I’ll contribute a recent photo taken the weekend after Thanksgiving, 10 days before his sudden and still unexplained death. He was a happy, healthy, active baby quite literally until his last breath, and I will always be his Mum (no, we’re not Anglophiles, that’s what he called me).
His first words were “Dada” “Mum” and “A-da” (said while hitting his chest, the only time he did it, and we think he was trying to say his own name). He hated the car ride to our favorite spanish island restaurant in Jersey, but he loved the rice and beans once he got there. He was my laid-back surfer dude who got a kick out of his big sister entertaining him with song and dance routines. He was named after his abuelita, Aida, whom he never got to meet in life. Maybe he’s hanging out with her now.”
We are honored to be able to remember Aidan, an amazingly cute kid if there ever was one, here and offer our deepest condolences to Lyonside and her family. Please share your thoughts and prayers with Lyonside in the comment thread.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing this precious photo of a precious child.
What a beautiful child and lovely photo and fitting tribute you wrote, Lyonside. My heart still aches for you. I indeed hope that Aiden and his abuelita are united as you hope.
I am so sorry for your loss. Aidan seems like a very sweet boy. May your family find some comfort in your memories…
Aww, look at those cheeks..sooo sweet. I am sorry for your loss. Aidan’s personality shines through that photo.
He was a beautiful child. May you always have the space and comfort of your family and friends as you and your family process this loss. Thank you for sharing his picture and some of your favorite memories of Aiden.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture of your precious baby.
What a beautiful boy, thank you for sharing. So sorry for you loss.
Oh no, I am so sorry. I’ve always appreciated Lyonside’s perspective, and can’t imagine such a loss. What a beautiful boy.
What a beautiful and your stories about him are touching. I would love to read more about him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I think you are so amazing and generous. I can only imagine what it took for you to make the decision to share that photo. Your family is in my family’s thoughts and prayers.
What a gift you give us, sharing Aidan’s beautiful self here. You allow us to share one split second of your grief, and to embrace our own loves and losses in community with you. I’ve had him and you and his sister and your family in my thoughts all day. I will continue to send prayers and light. Your loss is unimaginable.
Thank you for sharing this pic of your adorable son and may you always find comfort in your wonderful memories of him.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Aidan is a beauty.
I’m so sorry for your loss Lyonside. It is so shocking and inexplicable that all I can do is cry and wish your little angel Aidan be safe with you forever. I too would love to read more about him.Your family and Aidan are in my prayers.
Such a beautiful boy. Words can never be enough, but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
A deeply moving tribute to a beautiful boy. May you have the strength to get through today and every day.