Hey Aaron, thinking of you and your family often.
As someone who observed and knew Big A from grades 6-12, I'm sure I'm not the only one whose kids have heard Aaron Thatcher stories! He's a household name here, especially for the teenagers, as they struggle with all the normal social issues kids face. Aaron learned at such an early age to rise above all that doesn't matter, and see a bigger picture--oh, if our kids could do the same!
Aaron, I'll always remember the start of our friendship. Yes, I was mowed down in little league with 3 pitches like most everyone else. You could have fake-pitched, and I still would have swung. But it wasn't until 7th grade that Aaron wrapped me up in his friendship. Mr. Earl's English class, southeast corner of that top floor in South Cache Middle School. We each were to stand up and tell a little about ourselves--name, hometown, hobbies. One of my hobbies was baseball cards; I loved those little pieces of cardboard, and mentioned that in my introduction to the class. Afterwards, Aaron stood at the door, quizzing each boy as he passed, 'were you the one that collected baseball cards?' I remember being near the back of the exiting crowd, this scruffy, discreet, country bumpkin from Mendon, nervously awaiting my turn to talk to this tall, intimidating, popular guy. 'Yah', I quietly squeeked when asked, probably looking down at shuffling feet. Didn't take long--with a smile and a laugh, and a barrage of questions, he diffused any awkwardness, and we quickly become friends from that common ground.
We all used to meet before school in Mr. Hanks science classroom and share the latest finds and discuss stats. Aaron was a shrewd trader--he had the inside track on the best rookies, monopolized the Dale Murphy commodities, and usually kept the upper hand. Usually! (-;
Aaron, thanks for reaching out; I've always appreciated that, and will never forget the example you set time and time again. Our family is rooting and praying for you.
As someone who observed and knew Big A from grades 6-12, I'm sure I'm not the only one whose kids have heard Aaron Thatcher stories! He's a household name here, especially for the teenagers, as they struggle with all the normal social issues kids face. Aaron learned at such an early age to rise above all that doesn't matter, and see a bigger picture--oh, if our kids could do the same!
Aaron, I'll always remember the start of our friendship. Yes, I was mowed down in little league with 3 pitches like most everyone else. You could have fake-pitched, and I still would have swung. But it wasn't until 7th grade that Aaron wrapped me up in his friendship. Mr. Earl's English class, southeast corner of that top floor in South Cache Middle School. We each were to stand up and tell a little about ourselves--name, hometown, hobbies. One of my hobbies was baseball cards; I loved those little pieces of cardboard, and mentioned that in my introduction to the class. Afterwards, Aaron stood at the door, quizzing each boy as he passed, 'were you the one that collected baseball cards?' I remember being near the back of the exiting crowd, this scruffy, discreet, country bumpkin from Mendon, nervously awaiting my turn to talk to this tall, intimidating, popular guy. 'Yah', I quietly squeeked when asked, probably looking down at shuffling feet. Didn't take long--with a smile and a laugh, and a barrage of questions, he diffused any awkwardness, and we quickly become friends from that common ground.
We all used to meet before school in Mr. Hanks science classroom and share the latest finds and discuss stats. Aaron was a shrewd trader--he had the inside track on the best rookies, monopolized the Dale Murphy commodities, and usually kept the upper hand. Usually! (-;
Aaron, thanks for reaching out; I've always appreciated that, and will never forget the example you set time and time again. Our family is rooting and praying for you.
Jon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing. I can just hear Aaron quizzing kids as they exited that classroom. I bet he still has a few cards he'd like to trade with you. I wish you could see how well he is doing. We are all on top of the world and so grateful to to all who have prayed. We are seeing a miracle and so many have been a part of it.
We have always thought the world of your outstanding family. Thank you again,
Kathy Thatcher, (Aaron's mom)