Brought to Tears

My niece had her dance recital on Saturday night and did an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. job!  Boy, can that girl dance!

One of the (42) numbers was performed by two young girls with disabilities; one having Down syndrome.

She instantly reminded me of a girl in Zac's class, where I was a T.A. my Senior year of high school.  Michelle was a spunky little fire cracker that gave the best hugs! 

Watching the little girl dance brought me to tears...lots of tears!  Although trying to be discrete while wiping the gazillion tears away, I know it was quite obvious that I was crying.  I'm sure my brother-in-law, who was sitting next to me, was wondering what in the heck was going on.

It certainly wasn't the "Lady Gaga" song that brought me to tears, although we agreed that was a poor choice in music.

Just the great memories I have of serving in Zac's class, and especially getting to know Michelle and her sweet spirit, is what got to me.  That was a special time in my life that I will treasure always.

Short & Sweet

Every Wednesday at work, the radio station we listen to plays the same song around 10:15.



Each time I hear it, I think of Zac and am reminded of the call I got from my mom that Wednesday morning, 2 years ago.  I'm also reminded of the video his cousin made, that was shown at the luncheon after his service, which used a clip of this song.

I can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that it's been 2 years since we said good-bye to our bud.

I was able to drop by his grave today and say, "Hi!"  It was a quick visit, since there was a girl visiting a grave across the way, smoking pot, and I don't enjoy that smell...at all.

I think of him all the time and cry often because of how much I miss him.  But I should be crying tears of joy because I know he's happy.  I can only imagine how sweet life is with our Heavenly Father.

I Wonder

For the last 5 years, I've been looking for my picture from my first year at Girls Camp.

When my parents moved, they found a box of mine that sure enough, had the photo in it.

(My apologies to Ernie Haupt, Sammy Newman and Heather Strom for giving you two faces. I had to scan the photo in sections and didn't do a great job lining it up.)

The Lime was "playing" with it a few days ago and I realized that there was writing on the back.

I had forgotten that one of Zac's sisters wrote me something...

"You are the freshest. Thanx for being Zac's friend. He loves you guys sooo much!! No words can say thanks enough. You make his life easier! Thanx. I'll love you forever and never forget you for that!"

I hope Zac knew how much I loved him, how much I learned from him and how I consider him to be one of my best buds.

We're On Our Way Home

It's that time of year where guys and girls dress up, go to a fancy dinner and then to a dance. We witnessed a large crowd at dinner tonight, of high school students celebrating their homecoming.

Yesterday, we celebrated a different kind of homecoming.

After picking Claire up from school, the kiddos and I stopped to pick up some flowers. Sunflowers were the first choice but the kids ended up picking out a smaller yellow daisy and a cute, fluffy green flower (A's colors!).

On the way to Zac's grave, we all got a chance to share memories of him. Claire shared her story of when she and her dad went to visit his grave and ran into his sister, Tanya. Will had lots of questions. The babies on the other hand were hot and tired so our trip was a quick one.

Claire helped me place the flowers on his grave. We were excited to see that someone had brought sunflowers! So bright and cheerful, just like Zac!

(Claire wanted to take the picture. Great job, eh?)

We love and miss our Zac Man. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't cross our minds.

Happy trails to you, Bud, until we meet again!

And Many More...On Channel 4

Yesterday was Zac's birthday.

We brought him a sign, sang happy birthday, laughed and cried.

The grounds crew was just up the hill from us, doing some work on the lawn. They happened to stop their work, as well as their conversation, at the same time that I got emotional. I don't know if they could tell I was having a "moment" but I appreciated the silence.


Zac's mom adorns everything with darling ribbons. Even the precious flowers.


LaVor taught the lesson in YM on Sunday and shared a story about Zac to the boys. It just so happened that while he was telling the story, The Lime got super excited and started kicking his feet while making sweet noises.

I know they were buds. I know because when I turn the computer off at night and The Lime sees Zac's picture on our desktop, he smiles.

I also know that yesterday, Zac had the most delicious slice of cake he's ever tasted.

Lunch With Zac

While at work yesterday, a song came on the radio that was included in Zac's video which was played at his funeral. I looked down at the clock and realized it was exactly 6 months earlier that my Mom had called me to tell me the news. It's still hard to believe.

The sun decided to come out today so I packed the kiddos up and we had a picnic with Zac. I shared some stories with Will and he told me that Zac had grape vines in Heaven. We munched on our peanut butter and crackers and I accidentally let out a burp. Zac would have laughed, I know it.

We should do it again sometime.

Welcome Home

Journey's End by Derek Hegsted

I wonder if Heaven has a "Welcome Home" sign? I have a feeling it did yesterday.

I imagine he ran into the arms of our Savior and Heavenly Father. I imagine he's surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories, laughing, having a good time.

He had a mission here on earth and fulfilled it. I know he returned with honor.

And what an honor it was to have the opportunity to have him in my life. He taught me joy, happiness, compassion, charity and love. I am a better person because of him.

I was looking forward to introducing him to The Lime but their party has already begun.

Obviously, death is a sad thing. But the passing of someone gives me something to look forward to...an amazing reunion.

Until we meet again, Zac.