Ainsley Bokesch

     I would describe Aiden as goofy and lighthearted and not a day goes by that I don’t miss his laugh and especially his presence. I met aiden my sophomore year. My favorite memory is the night we first met at the Palko’s. I stayed up for hours talking to him at the kitchen table. We bonded immediately, and not a day went by that we didn’t talk to each other after that. I loved knowing that I was able to trust him, and could go to him for help if I needed it.

     Aiden used to get mad at me for never giving back his favorite sweatshirts, and now I couldn’t be more glad that I never gave them back knowing they still are hung up in my closet. In June of 2022, I had went on vacation to Florida. I got him and I matching white Pura-Vida bracelets, which I still wear this day. I wear it wrapped around my hair under a ribbon for good luck on days of my gymnastics meets. 

     Aiden never failed to make me laugh. I remember that Aiden would always call me the minute he did something stupid. For example, I always get a good laugh when I think about how he didn’t answer me for 2 hours, and then randomly FaceTimed me showing his scraped leg telling me he accidentally crashed Andy’s motorcycle. 

     Although it is impossible for me to express the heartbreak Aiden’s death has caused me, I couldn’t be more happy for the hope and love that his life gifted me. Even though our time together was cut short, I will forever be grateful for being able to know and love him.