The day of Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah was an overcast day. When the Rabbi called him up to speak with him and offer a prayer, the sun broke through the clouds. The sun’s rays shined through the synagogue’s windows and directly onto Aaron – nowhere else – just him. After the Rabbi concluded, the sun disappeared behind the clouds again, and remained there the remainder of the day. Even the Rabbi commented about it. We have never considered that to have occurred by chance.

Aaron loved working in the food industry. He was a great cook and his food presentations were photo-worthy. He was passionate about health foods and worked his last two years selling to health food stores. He was always the top person on his team to get new products into stores.

Aaron had great friends, a loving family, and a bright future. Aaron had a lot to live for. He just couldn’t see it. He thought his life was a mess. His mental illness – his deep depression – blinded his vision. He tried to fight back. But, neither his brave struggle nor the love of his family and friends were enough to stem the tide of this dreadful disease.

We can never comprehend the darkness Aaron must have experienced, especially in his final moments. We think of him every day. We miss him every day. We miss his beautiful smile and his caring heart. His absence is tangible.

But, it has stirred us to action. We want to help others who may be visited by this horrible illness. Please consider donating to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in Aaron’s name so that we all can be proactive in the research and support necessary to build a future without suicide.

Thanks for your support.

Annette, Al, Michael, Katie and Olivia Joelle