But oh, I remember how you used to shine...
Music: Once
Artist: Liam Gallagher
Shared by: Harvey for Aaron
“Someone who knew what it was like to be different, but refused to let that define him as a person. Someone who taught me to be kind no matter what might be going on in the background. Someone that faced everyday with a brave face, inspired to do it all again.”
Calling Aaron just my best friend wouldn't do him any justice. I knew him since nursery until his passing 3 weeks before his 16th, little did we know then—he’d end up helping me even when he wasn’t around. Someone who knew what it was like to be different, but refused to let that define him as a person. Someone who taught me to be kind no matter what might be going on in the background. Someone that faced everyday with a brave face, inspired to do it all again.
Our PlayStations were practically extensions of ourselves, where Aaron didn't have muscular dystrophy and I wasn't a type 1 diabetic. They allowed us to connect with each other to share and experience moments with our huge friend group. A PlayStation party without Aaron wasn't a party. But we all know now that he will always be with us as our teammate, both on and off the games.
’Once’ reminds me of Aaron as it is a song steeped in nostalgia and reflection, accompanied by undertones of the bittersweet realisation that we only experience life once. Despite the unavoidable truth, we can still find joy in the presence and memories of our loved ones. I am truly blessed to learn from him and know that he will be beside me every step of the way.
Now I know he was not a huge fan of Liam Gallagher, but I know he would be flattered to be remembered through such gentle lyrics. A tune that allows me to remember all the games we won together and the ones we lost together, the ones with laughter and the ones with disappointment and anger. His Duchenne muscular dystrophy meant that he couldn't do as much as he would have liked to do, but he never let it stop him from smiling and instead he shined, something anyone that was blessed to know him could admire. While it is heartbreak that we can't turn back the clock and do it all again, it is beautiful to share moments like that with someone where you only get to do it once.
“We don’t get to choose how we start in this life. Real ‘greatness’ is what you do with the hand you’re dealt.” A quote from a game series, Uncharted, that Aaron enjoyed. I believe ‘Once’ embodies this quote in an indirect way. Capturing how amazing he is and admiring his attitude to life, despite the number of setbacks he faced, and for that, my love for him will only grow as I experience new things and endure hard times.
My best friend, my teammate, my hero. And as far as I'm concerned: Aaron will ALWAYS be the greatest.