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

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