AIDAN'S DIARY - DECEMBER 2002 - FUNERAL
The following is a letter to us by Aidan's year 2 teacher, Barb Thomson
...
Dear Tim, Trish, Caitlin, Liam and Evan,
Nearly two years ago a little rascal entered my life. He was meant to be a
little man entrusted to my care for his first year at “big school”, along
with 26 others.
How quickly things changed......or rather, how quickly Aidan changed things.
He was such an individual, such a special child that although a member of
a class, he also stood alone as a unique spirit.
He was filled with love; love for his family, love for his friends....and
yes, even a love of school. Aidan had a special quality which drew adults
and children alike to him and he was loved so much in return.
With such a sense of humour for a young child, we were always entertained.
When Aidan entered a room, the party began. Serious schoolwork was a bit much
to ask for at times, but Aidan always wanted to be at school for our morning
activities.
Aidan grew to love writing. Not so long ago he knew he was going to be away
the following day, so he asked what the topic would be the following day
for Diary Writing. He promptly wrote that diary entry as well (Tim, you and
Aidan shared this gift of writing)
News sessions quickly became routine for Aidan as he always wanted to share
his wonderful experiences with his friends. The rubber snake put on his teachers’
chairs to frighten us, the photos of him swimming with the dolphins in Queensland,
craft things he had made- the list was endless. Aidan often used himself
as “Show and Tell”, like the day he kept his beanie on until he reached the
front of the class, then pulled off the beanie and said “Surprise!!!!!!!”
He had no hair. I loved the announcement
when he came back to school after time in hospital. He greeted us all
with....”They finally let me out!!!”
Many planned classroom activities were postponed as Aidan had a better plan.
It was often the inclusion of another story he had chosen, a different art
or craft activity or something Aidan simply thought we should do.
Aidan simply loved art and craft activities and his desk usually had a few
ongoing projects lined up on it. At the beginning of this term he went through
lots of Christmas activities, sorting them out. He then put them into three
categories-”Yeu 1, Yeu 2 and Bof.” Thanks to Aidan Rooms 3 and 4 were decorated
for Christmas by the middle of November.
Over the two years, Aidan’s sense of adventure left Liz, Vera and I often
standing with our hearts in our mouths . No obstacle or task was ever too
great. He would take it upon himself to put up something to be displayed.
It didn’t matter that he climbed on desks or benches to do it!! Steps around
the school were to be ascended or descended without a rail or a hand to be
held.
During Aidan’s last few weeks of school, we had a daily lunchtime picnic.
It was a time to share food, share laughs and share special time. It was usually
Aidan, Liz, Martin, Vera and myself. We would discuss the food for the next
day, be it hamburgers, yoghurt, muffins or drinks. Aidan enjoyed the treats,
but was always mindful of Caitlin. A spare pizza made at school had to go
home to be shared with Caitlin. The plate of party food from the staff luncheon
for the Melbourne Cup (which had been promised to Aidan before knowing he
had an appointment at P.M.H.), was shared with Caitlin. Even on Aidan’s last
day at school during our picnic, he requested party food for Caitlin
for another day.....”Because she likes that sort of stuff”. Ever the kind
and generous spirit.
All Aidan’s classmates became his friends. He was the ever-loving, ever-caring,
ever -cheeky friend to them all. John and Zoee-rae joined Aidan for a second
year in Room 3. Both John and Zoee-rae loved joining in with Aidan’s practical
jokes - as did the other Year 2”s. Liz or I would enter a seemingly empty
room, when “Surprise” they all shouted and jumped up from behind chairs or
under desks. How the children all loved having visits from Ned Kelly, Batman.
Shrek and Harry Potter. The administration and office staff always had to
have visits from these important characters.
I will never forget the wonderful feeling when, usually a while after school
started, the big green doors of our classroom opened and in walked Aidan.
A new day.....more “Show and Tell” and a big, big smile, but joy for me as
he came straight to sit on my lap. I could start each day with a cuddle.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing Aidan with us all at school and especially
with me. You displayed that same generous spirit we saw in Aidan.
Aidan will always be a part of me at school and beyond. Many children have
touched my heart over the years, but Aidan has made a home in it.
I loved him too.
Barb
Aidan with Mrs. Thomson (April 2001).
Last updated: 18-Apr-2003