Remembering Justin Aaberg
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011Justin Aaberg, an accomplished concert cellist as well as a composer, was one among the far too many LGBT suicides last year at the hands of bullying. Many of us never had the chance to know Justin, but his memory and legacy live on through the incredible work his family is doing on his behalf.
Today, March 9, 2011, would have been Justin's 16th Birthday.
The Aaberg Family attended the Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change Conference in Minneapolis to learn more about how they could continue to raise awareness about the devastating effects of bullying. We were humbled and honored when Tammy Aaberg reached out to us in order to see if her family would be able to come by our open shoot and take a very special family photo in Justin's memory. We are happy to share that photo with you all today. Happy Birthday, Justin.
BACK: Shawn & Andrew Aaberg, FRONT: Anthony, Justin (Photo), and Tammy Aaberg.
"In Justin's memory I know his birthday wish would be that no LGBT person would have to hide who they are due to who they love and for everyone to love who they are. He had a very diverse group of friends and liked each person for who they truly were. His trademark saying was "Love the life you live, live the life you love". Let us all stand up to bullying across this country and quit hurting one another, and always remember that God Makes No Mistakes. Please never consider suicide an option, you are loved, always remember that. If you are in crisis please call The Trevor Project at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)."
-Tammy Aaberg
3/9/11
I wish to send my condolence to the Aaberg family. You have no idea how much this article touches my heart. I lost my mother to suicide at only 10 years old. And as a 25 year old gay guy, I have dealt, like so many others, with bullying and hate.
I would like for you to know that I have shared this page with all of my friends on facebook and so far 9 of them have re-posted the link for their friends to see.
Bullying and ignorance is far too common, not only against LGBT persons, but for children, young adults, and adults in every race, religious belief, living condition(money, family, etc) and lifestyle. I know it will not stop overnight, but my friends and I hope that by spreading the word about programs like this, and standing up to and bringing bullies to the attention of those in power may help.(Whether at work, school, or everyday life.)
Bullying happens in more than one way and in more that one place. It is most common in schools and it goes unnoticed because the children are scared to say anything to anyone because of the repercussions that they think will occur. And it is hard for the teachers and staff to protect the child from the bully. There will be some point in time that they will be alone together and that is all it takes is that one moment.
I ask that everyone who reads this article to please share it with your friends and family. Encourage your children to talk to someone if they are having issues with a bully. As a friend once told me, "The squeeky wheel gets oiled first".
Much love to the Aaberg family. May God bless you and take care of you through your troubled times.
- Joshua Wilson (JoshuaS.Wilson@thewilsonfamilytree.net)
JWilson2132 03/09/2011 21:55