One year, when Aaron had finished the baseball season in Florida, Melissa and I flew out there to drive home with him. We had a great trip! We were able to visit relatives that lived along the way, and go to lots of fun historical sites. Aaron's really organized. He had written a detailed agenda for the trip, and was determined that we stay on schedule. This schedule included listening to Rush Limbaugh for three hours every day, and eating at KFC for lunch. The car broke down somewhere in Kansas, but besides that, the only thing that took us away from the itinerary was when Aaron would stop to talk to people. Because do you know how Aaron talks to people? He talks for a very long time. As though he has nothing else in the world to do than sit there and talk to you. You know he cares about you, and is genuinely interested in your life. He finds out about who you are, what you're interested in, and then he asks you all about it, is genuinely excited about it, and pretty soon, he is your dear friend. Well, on that trip across the country, Melissa and I remember Aaron making friends at Mark Twain's Cave, Silver Dollar City amusement park, Nauvoo, Illinois, and the Far West temple site. Just some of the places that we recall waiting for hours while Aaron talked and talked and talked with someone he didn't even know. People are more important than schedules to him.
Love ya, A!
Love ya, A!
Great memories!
ReplyDeleteMom
My family and I moved into Aaron's Ward just this past September. From the moment we met him he has taken the time to genuinely get to know us. Whenever we see him or even pass him he takes the time to look us in the eyes and ask, "Hello____, how are you doing?" He is so caring and so kind. I have to admit when Aaron called me into meet with him to receive a calling in the Ward, I wondered if he really was this kind and interested in me & my family because of how much time he spent talking. It wasn't long after that I realized HE IS this kind & genuine. We really appreciate this being new to the area. We have looked up to Aaron & Lorraine so much in the short time we've lived here. Our children & their children are around the same ages and friends. They are a beautiful family! We haven't been here long, but have grown to love you and your family! Many prayers & love, Jen & Jared Ward
ReplyDeleteAaron returned from baseball in Florida in August with just two weeks to prepare for leaving for his mission to Brasil. We were pressed to get everything done for him like his Endowment in the temple and all of the shopping in preparation for his mission. I remember being in a hurry to find shirts and suits and al the rest and trying to get Aaron into the mall in Logan, but he would stop to visit with everyone in the parking lot. If someone was sitting in their car he would cross the lot, say hello, extend his hand inside their window, introduce himself and find our about them. It was exasperating but amazing to me at the same time. I couldn't help but smile and love this son who had time for every stranger he met.
ReplyDeleteMom
I wish I had known about this trip so I could have made the agenda of people to see along the way! You drove right through my area. I would have loved the opportunity to chat for hours and catch up with all of you! The last time I saw Aaron was a random meeting in the parking lot at the Paradise Post Office. He won't remember it but I remember it well. I was just home from my mission and was very sick. I was feeling lost being home and struggling to be so sick every day. Aaron lifted my spirits so much and lightened my burden that day. Does my heart good to see that love being paid forward as he is struggling with his own health. I have so many wonderful memories of the Thatcher family and wish you all the greatest peace and success moving forward. Nicole Lofthouse Sharp
ReplyDelete