The Healing Bench

Visiting San Francisco, I took a long walk through the magnificent Presidio to clear my head after some more tragic news from my beloved Ukraine. I entered what seemed like a magical forest and found a bench waiting for me. I sat and cried and prayed. It was deeply healing. As I got up to leave I noticed the dedication plague and quickly calculated Aaron’s age. I cried some more realizing that life’s injustices come in many forms. May all our loved ones find peace on the afterlife. May the beauty of nature remind us that there is a higher power.

Thank you for sharing a healing bench.

Maryna Boyko, July 2, 2023

A Glimpse

My dear friend. Out amongst the twigs, bird songs riding on the wind. We walk together still. In the quiet moments I know to smile for our parting is but a moment before heaven finds us in step again.

Doug Addis March 4, 2021

14 Years

Missing 14 years of your life and wondering what they would have held. Remembering 33. 1972 - 2005. Loving you forever. Mom

October 1, 2019

Missing My Old Friend

I've been thinking about you and the crazy, fun times we had during our high school years- riding around in the big red Blazer and trying to stay up all night at your house. We had great times.

John White - 8/15/2016

A passerby

I passed a park bench in your honor in the Persidio in San Francisco. I wondered who you were and what sort of person you might have been. I am impressed. I hope your Mom and others who love you find comfort in the knowledge that there is more to life and death than we know. And time, can help ease pain. A parent should never have to lose a child, but I hope your Mom can take great comfort in knowing that she accomplished what so many can not - she raised an exceptional young man. And your spirit indeed lives on.

A note from Aaron's mom - Thank you, John. If I had your contact information I would contact you directly. I'm happy you visited the bench. -

John - 5/5/2014

Love this

Terry & Rebecca, What a great tribute to Aaron. You are able to keep his memory alive. Someday you will see him again in heaven. I believe he is seated at the right hand of the father right next to Jesus watching over you.

Love Peggy - 11/23/2013

BIG LOVE

Every so often I just know you are watching

Doug Addis - 11/26/2012

What a wonderful tribute to Aaron

Dear Rebecca, Thank you and Terry for sharing this with me. I can't even begin to imagine your pain with the loss of your son. He looked like he enjoyed life and is greatly missed. My heart goes out to you! -

Juliene Wood - 5/10/2012

From One Mother To Another...

Dear Rebecca, Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I truly feel honored. Though I didn't know him, Aaron obviously had a profound effect on all of those who loved him and lived his life to the fullest! I can tell you are very proud of the man he became. I want you to know how proud I am of you Rebecca. God's Grace to all your family during this Holiday Season! Be Blessed,

Bonnie Romano - 12/21/2011

Tonight at the Presidio

Today I went to visit Aaron's bench in the Presidio and felt his presence with me. I walked up the hill and sat on the bench and listened to an owl calling out. I enjoyed sitting there and thinking back to so many amazing memories of Aaron. After some time I walked to the top of Inspiration Point where a couple was seated with a large telescope. The night was unusually clear for a SF night and they showed me the craters of the moon and the rings of Jupiter. Everything there tonight seemed to be touched by magic. I know it was Aaron. I came home tonight and enjoyed looking at the website, the photos, the videos. Aaron, you made such a powerful impact on people when you were here, and today was proof you continue to make an impact even after you are gone. We all love and miss you so. -

Julie 12/4/2011

a total stranger

I didn't know Aaron or anything about him. Actually, I googled his name only after seeing his bench in the Presidio. I run past it all the time and starting wondering about this stranger that was here for a short time. this note is just to let you know how much I appreciate the bench and to honor a man I never knew. I lost my twin sister over ten years ago and I would want to know if her life is still changing the lives of people like Aaron's life has. Thank You Aaron -

Valen - 9/15/2011

Today

In mind I'll live today this day as if you were with me I'll soak up the sun Share a meal and then Bust a move to the sea Aaron no words can express The life you live Inside me.

Douglas Addis - 4/3/2011

Presidio

I'm sitting on a log bench that bears your name and the words: Dream Love Dance Share Pray Love. Your spirit is here--in the sun the trees the air and wind.

Lisa - 1/15/2011

The bench 2010

Chris, Sebastian , Theo & I arrived at the bench to find the needles in this configuration. - 10/7/2010

A on the bench

A on the bench