Sept. 25, 2007

We were sad to hear about Aaron Bazán's death at such a young age. Aaron was a special kid and a great asset to our team.

I will always remember Aaron's great personality, attitude, and his desire to help others without asking for anything in return. I will also remember the goal he scored during his first year with us that eventually gave us the Red River conference title.

All his former teammates here at Texas A&M International University were in shock and saddened when they found out about Aaron's death. That speaks loudly enough about what kind of person he was, a lovable an easy to get along with young man.

Even though Aaron decided to transfer to pursue his academic dreams somewhere else, his two years with us were great. We will miss him not being with us in future soccer events here at TAMIU.

The last time I saw Aaron was at HEB here in Laredo. I was with my family and he was with his girlfriend Michelle. As always, he stopped and greeted me with a gentle smile and a hug.

It is difficult to think of someone so young leaving this world. Many people say that a life was cut. However, it was encouraging to hear from the priest at Aaron's funeral that Aaron's real life had just begun. Death was not the end (1 Corinthians 13:12.)

The mortality of our lives has once again come to mind. The footsteps, the legacy, the eventual day of our departure has risen from our minds. May we be ready to face our creator at the time He calls us home.

Our condolences go out to his parents, Joe and Rose Bazán, as well as to his siblings. We are praying that the only true giver of peace, God almighty, may provide to them peace and strength during these troubled times.

Claudio Arias