To All Of Zach's Friends....

I'm sure I speak for the whole family when I say THANK YOU! Thank you for calling Zach "Shorty" as we used to call him the same thing:) Thank you for your friendship with him as I know he had alot of friends and he thought very highly of all of you! Thank you for sharing your memories with all of us, as we need them all! But most importantly....THANK YOU for holding him tightly in your hearts each and everyday. He was very lucky to have friends like you! Just remember that when the days seem to drag on and your troubles seem to get you down just know that he is holding you close and he will never let go until he knows that you are going to be ok. That's the only thing I am certain about these days and I hope it helps get you through as it helps me each and everyday:) GOB BLESS YOU & THANK YOU ALL!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL' MAN!

I can't even imagine what your mom must be going through today but I know in my heart of hearts that you are with her! Tabby had the right idea about the shirts and everyone I know will be "sporting" them around today. Uncle Jake misses you a great deal even though he can't bring himself to write his thoughts (But I'm sure you know that already! I believe you have been sqeezing him extra tight lately and I thank you) To be honest, I am really at a lost for words right now. I will try to write again later tonight. HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!

A Prayer To Help You Through

For those who suffer,
and those who cry this night,
give them repose, Lord;
a pause in their burdens.
Let there be minutes
where they experience peace,
not of man
but of angels.
Love them, Lord,
when others cannot.
Hold them, Lord,
when we fail with human arms.
Hear their prayers
and give them the ability to hear You back
in whatever language they best understand

A Poem For The Grieving

Don't Think of Him As Gone Away


Don't think of him as gone away-- his journey's just begun; life holds so many facets--this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and tears,
in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing that we could know, today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him living in the hearts of those he touched...for nothing loved is ever lost--and he was loved so much.

WE ALL SHOULD LEARN FROM THIS

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He's always there for her.She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend. One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying. "Just take care of my eyes dear." This is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and who's always been there even in the most painful situations. Life Is A Gift Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion. Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven. Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren. Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep- Think of the people who are living in the streets. Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job. But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around. Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And fulfill it.

Dear Zachary,

Well, only a week until your birthday. Hard to believe you would have been 16 already! I know I don't have to tell you that this is a very difficult time for the whole family. Your mom seems to be doing ok but, as it will be for quite a while, there will be good days and bad days and, in the case of next week, don't want to get out of bed days. Shine down on us Zach and help to make those really bad days a little easier to manage. We are trying our best to be around as much as possible so she doesn't have time to think about everything. We have even decided to go back to Florida this year ,which we are very excited about! I know when we get there it may be a different story. It's funny how you never really think of every little thing triggering memories. Whether it be a song, a smell, or an action. Sometimes trying to get your mind off of things won't work as there are things around that will always trigger some kind of memory. I hate to say it, but I am really worried about this trip. I know we are all saying, "It's going to be so much fun" and "Can't wait to get there" but, I KNOW it will trigger huge memories for me and it scares me. But I do know that you are going to be there every step of the way and that brings all the comfort I will need. I Love You and Miss You!! I will write later this week, as I have a lot I want to share with you:)



Love,
Aunt Denise