Loving, funny, family, kids. Mama’s boy forever
Aaron was funny, good looking, loving and sensitive, with a charismatic personality. Very athletic, he was good at any sport. He loved playing basketball, football, and soccer. Aaron also enjoyed a good game of pool. He was a jokester, always playing with people and making them laugh. Most of his time was spent with his kids and family.
Aaron learned quickly and was outgoing and determined. He was an exceptional BMX rider when he was young and, later, a wonderful business person, loving father, husband, and son. Aaron’s first job was at 14, doing flooring jobs with his uncle during the summer months. After finishing school, he started his own flooring business, which he had for six years. He was also a self-taught mechanic and could install car stereos.
Aaron’s mother, Melanie, adored her first-born. He was a very loving son and definitely a mama’s boy! Aaron had a younger brother, Jason, who he taught to play sports and pool. His younger sister, Kristen, was his best friend in the years just before Aaron died.
Aaron’s wife Shana was in his life since they were eleven. On the playground, he asked her to be his girlfriend. When she said ‘yes,’ he kissed her and ran off. Melanie said. “Aaron was as loyal as they come. He and Shana were lucky to find each other early in life; a true love story. They were always together.” The two had seven children together ranging in age from 15 to three years old; Braxton, Rylen, Teagen, Keegan, Tinleah, Kaven and Brayley.
A friend to many, Melanie heard many stories about how Aaron helped others through difficult times when they had no one else who cared. One of Aaron’s last posts on social media was about how God uses those who have substance use or other problems to work in our lives. We should be careful how we treat them. Aaron was very devoted to the Lord. “He loved Jesus and his grandma more than life itself,” Melanie stated. Aaron was devastated when his grandmother died.
Aaron’s addiction started in his early twenties. As it progressed, he became paranoid, insecure, depressed, and unmotivated. His mom was always on edge. “It was like living a nightmare,” she said. “I tried to get him to treatment, but things just kept happening. There was nothing I could do to stop it.” Melanie feels heartbroken, lost, lonely and empty. A sense of failure as a parent is always present. “I failed at the most important thing God gave me, at being a mother.” Aaron’s death has affected the entire family. His kids are having problems dealing with the extreme grief of their dad’s loss. The family is going through motions of daily living, but are having difficulty.
Melanie is now involved in activism about substance use disorder. She is making a trip to Washington D.C. for fentanyl awareness, hoping that the government will take more action about drugs killing so many individuals. She leaves this message for others: “Please always tell your loves ones how much you love them, it may be the last time. I’ll never see my son’s face, or get a kiss, a hug, or an I love you. Please don’t take life for granted. It is so short and precious.”
Aaron’s mother, Melanie Mullin, provided the information for this narrative.
August 4, 1991-January 25, 2024-Age 32
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
