Aidan McCormick Shane, 3/22/08-10/2/10

giventoflyjbsgiventoflyjbs Posts: 103
edited November 2010 in The Porch
Three weeks ago, my wife and I got news that no parent should ever receive - our 2.5 year old son Aidan passed away unexpectedly in his sleep while we were away at a friend's wedding and he was staying with my parents at our home in San Francisco.

Aidan was, and remains, the light of our lives. He was a vibrant little guy with big blue eyes, a beautiful smile, and an infectious laugh. He loved playing and watching (SF Giants) baseball, playing with his cars and trains, and - most of all - listening to music with his mom and dad. From an early age, he listened to all of my favorite musicians, because I was definitely not the Raffi type. He loved Pearl Jam, the Black Keys, the Beatles, the Clash, and the Talking Heads, to name just a few. At night, instead of traditional lullabies, he had me sing him Given To Fly, Angel, Hunger Strike, Elderly Woman, Daughter, and Trouble, amongst others.

Shortly after he passed away, I got his initials tattooed on the inside of my wrist and, thanks to mfc2006, got the 5 birds tattooed on my right shoulder blade (which you can see here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38006332@N07/5107990949/). I've gotten a lot of strength from Pearl Jam songs and lyrics, including Given To Fly, which I played at maximum volume at Aidan's memorial service. Recently, my wife has been playing Just Breathe on constant rotation.

I'm not sure why I'm writing this post, other than to communicate a very public thank you to the band for a number of reasons. First, your incredible music provided a great way for my son and I to connect during his short time on earth. Second, your music has provided me with great strength through this terrible ordeal. Long Road, Yellow Ledbetter, Given To Fly, the cover of I Won't Back Down - too many songs to list, but they have all provided for a number of very cathartic moments in the last few weeks.

My wife and I will be in the crowd at tonight's Bridge School show. Before he died, we were considering bringing Aidan to the show. Unfortunately, he can't be there physically, but I know that he will be there in spirit, and I hope to hear one or more of his favorites songs on the setlist.

Finally, here's a pic of our little man: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38006332@N07/5108001003/

And here's a link to his obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?n=aidan-shane&pid=145808851

Take care, all of you in this wonderful community, from the band members to the Ten Club staff and each and every fan out there. If you have kids, give 'em a hug and never take any time you have with them for granted.

-Jason
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • That is truly sad, My wife and I have a son (Cameron, Stone) who just turned four. I could not imagine loosing him. My heart goes out to you. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    There's alot to be said for Nowhere
  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,489
    Jason---
    you & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers. so sorry to hear about your loss. take care & know that your son will always be with you.

    Matt
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a child has to be one of the most difficult things to go through. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. May little Aidan rest in peace.



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  • tremorstremors Posts: 8,051
    Words of strength.

    I hope the show carries you where you need to go.
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    lettherecordsplay1x.gif?t=1377796878
  • Jason,

    I am so sorry for your loss. As a parent myself of two beautiful children, I can't imagine what you are going through right now. You and your wife are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care.

    Dan
    I am the artist formally known as "Cameron4President"....
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  • dottlesdottles Posts: 9,196
    I couldn't read and not post, though all I can say is my deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
    Your little boy will always be with you xx
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  • dirtymikedirtymike Posts: 121
    Jason,
    Im so sorry to hear that :( . My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, and may Aidans soul rest in the skies.

    And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
    And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky
    A human being that was given to fly

    High.. flying
  • pjfan31pjfan31 Posts: 7,335
    This is so sad... My thoughts are with you and your wife.
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  • WildsWilds Posts: 4,329
    My heart goes out to you tonight. I will be at Bridge and If I could find you I would hope to hug you both.

    As a father of a 3 year old girl and a 7 year old boy, I can't imagine going through what you have experienced.


    To have had 2.5 years with such a beautiful little man makes you fortunate. I will be thinking of you, your family and Aiden tonight at the show.


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  • satansbedsatansbed Posts: 2,139
    i read this post while listening to love boat captain

    so in honour of the song and your son

    I know it's already been sung,... can't be said enough.
    Love is all you need,.. all you need is love,..
    Love,.. love,...
    Love.
  • geckogecko Posts: 1,712
    I feel so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your wife.
  • youngsteryoungster Boston Posts: 6,576
    Jason,

    My heart aches for your unthinkable loss. I have a son that is the same age so it really hits home. I can't even begin to imagine what you and your wife must be going through. Thoughts and prayers are with you and just remember to celebrate the joy he brought you. He will be in your hearts forever more.

    Peace and love,

    Marc
    He who forgets will be destined to remember.

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  • curmudgeonesscurmudgeoness Brigadoon, foodie capital Posts: 4,036
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have an Aidan who loves PJ, and I cannot imagine losing him. My condolences to you and your wife.
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  • Citizen ZackCitizen Zack Posts: 1,763
    So sorry for your loss Jason. I can't even begin to imagine. He's such a beautiful kid.

    But hang in there, you and your wife. You're in my prayers. Hope Bridge School is a wonderful experience for you both.
    "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." - Thoreau

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  • elwayvedderelwayvedder South Jersey Posts: 9,149
    It breaks my heart to hear this. If you don't mind, please PM me your mailing address
    -dave
  • ahill721ahill721 Posts: 2,071
    Jason,

    Thank you so much for sharing, Being a father of two, makes my heart bleed for you and your wife. There is no way I can imagine the loss and pain that you are feeling. Reading your post, and especially seeing the picture of your son that you posted brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with you
  • SalJamSalJam Posts: 127
    I am so sorry for your loss...
  • As a parent myself, my eyes are watering up right now just reading this post. I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sure Aidan is looking down on everyone right now and he is enjoying the show too. No words can express the loss you have experienced, just know he will always be with you and your wife.

    Edit: Just read the obit, now I'm full on sobbing, bless you guys. Even before I read it, that line from Given to Fly came to my mind, Aiden is flying!!!
    Hearts and thoughts they fade....
    fade away...

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  • Gary CarterGary Carter Posts: 14,067
    :( :( :(

    thoughts are with you and your wife
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  • arqarq Posts: 8,049
    I'm very sorry for your loss...
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  • BLACK35BLACK35 Hanover, Ontario Posts: 22,873
    I'm so sorry for your loss. that is so sad. NO ONE should ever have to bury a child at such a young age. My prayers go out to you and your wife.
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  • electronblueelectronblue Posts: 3,493
    very, very sorry for your loss..
    blessed he had a wonderful and loving family
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  • VinylGirlVinylGirl Posts: 551
    I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. I could not even imagine the pain you and your wife are going through. Be strong for each other and let the love you have for your beautiful Aidan help you through this tradgedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to you both.
  • OGT92OGT92 Posts: 1,588
    Wow, that is horrible. I have a son born 3/16/09 and am over protective of him as it is. I just could not imagine waking up and he wasn't here anymore. He is everything to me. I am so sorry for your loss. I just don't know what else to say..... :cry:
    "I read about the evils of drinking, so I gave up reading." - Henry Youngman
  • Thank you all for your posts, and a big thanks to Matt (aka mfc2006) for not only sending me the picture that I needed for my tattoo, but for sending me his t-shirt. Unbelievable act of kindness for a complete stranger, who is now a friend for life.

    I also wanted to post a video I made with some photos of Aidan and a soundtrack I figured you would all enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AtxC8CE9B4.

    Thank you all again.
  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,489
    Thank you all for your posts, and a big thanks to Matt (aka mfc2006) for not only sending me the picture that I needed for my tattoo, but for sending me his t-shirt. Unbelievable act of kindness for a complete stranger, who is now a friend for life.

    I also wanted to post a video I made with some photos of Aidan and a soundtrack I figured you would all enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AtxC8CE9B4.

    Thank you all again.

    Amazing video of your son, Jason. You guys will remain in our thoughts & prayers.

    Take care, my friend.
    Matt
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • RC153010RC153010 Posts: 864
    Sorry for your loss. My thought and preyers go out to you and your family. Can you also PM me your address?
  • mysticweedmysticweed Posts: 3,710
    he wouldn't wait for answers
    you couldn't keep him here

    this grief is overwhelming
    and i am so very sorry
    fuck 'em if they can't take a joke

    "what a long, strange trip it's been"
  • PillowPantsPillowPants Posts: 4,877
    my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family jason

    i was also born on march 22 ... i will always think of your son on that day... as i'm sure you will


    We were but stones, your light made us stars
  • jjflashjjflash Posts: 5,008
    Jason,

    I am so sorry to hear about you and your wife losing Aidan. I share a birthday with him (3/22....not that that's very relevant). As a father of three I have a hard time imagining what you've been dealing with the past couple of months. I saw the pics of your little man and got tears in my eyes thinking about how unfair it seems....not just for you but for him too. My wife and I got the stunning news this weekend that some good friends lost their 9 month old daughter on Saturday morning the same way Aidan died. I tell you that so you know that you're not alone. We had some friends lose their child a few years ago and upon learning about the tragedy this weekend my wife was recounting how the couple found solace in rejoicing in the good times they had with their child however brief they were. Words fall flat but please know my heart aches for you and my prayers go out to you and your family.

    Much love,

    David
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