“You would’ve turned 49 today. You’re forever on my mind.”
___
(In loving memory of my son, Aaron Kistner: 11/4/76 – 7/3/95)
It is my favorite picture of you son,
the one I treasure most
since your passing.
A simple snapshot,
taken at the airport,
upon your return
from having run the New York City Marathon.
A gentle, triumphant smile,
eyes beaming behind those ‘cool’ shades,
jacket sleeves rolled in casual hip-ness,
bag gripped firm and steady in your left hand,
medal dangling proudly from your strong neck.
The victor: gentle, cool, hip, carefree, proud, and strong,
– fiercely handsome!
How profound this captured moment proved to be.
Taken just before the finish line of your 18 years,
it said it all.
Your race is run,
your bag is packed,
your reward’s in hand.
You are forever young!
Fly my sweet angel – fly!
____
rob kistner © 7/23/05
_____________________
Aaron Robert Kistner, 18th birthday, returning from NYC Marathon
Shortly before he was killed
photo edited by: rob kistner © 2008
________
Rob,
I can’t imagine the depth of your loss. Just the little bit I can imagine takes my breath away.
A very beautiful tribute.
Aaron was so handsome.
He will always be there with you, in your heart.
What a lovely tribute. Your love for him and the pain of your loss radiate from your words, tangible and poignant. Aaron sounds like an amazing man. The last sentence brought tears to my eyes.
I wish you all the best,
Jane
A beautiful tribute to Aaron, Rob. So sorry for your loss. I am sure it hurts as much now as it did then.
Most of the time Aaron’s rests quietly in my heart Dwight, but today, for some reason, he was very present and close — loving tears.