Zachary, you would have been so proud today. Everyone was skating in your memory, and we were all there missing you so much. There were people that would come up and say " I knew that kid, and he would out skate me every time". Some people just visited the website through our advertising, and wanted to come out and be a part of the event. It is so hard sometimes to watch all of your friends skating, and you not being right in the middle of them. Somehow, today I felt like you were there watching. I think you were smiling down on us. I am sure you wished you could show us some tricks, and what I would give to have just one more chance to watch them. It breaks my heart, because I can't have you here with me. Sometimes, when I look at Jacob, I see your eyes and rosy red cheeks. The other day he fell asleep in my bed, and when I woke up and saw him for just a brief moment I thought it was you. I think when you left me God knew I would need to see you every now and then. I know that is probably crazy, but Pastor Forbush told me once that God always provides us with what we need to make it through trials such as these. He never leaves us. I am thankful for that. I wish so much that Jacob would have had the opportunity to have you as a big brother. He is doing all the things that you warned us he was going to do. I know you are smiling about that too. At least he won't have to hurt as bad as we all do. I will tell him all about you, and everything that you loved to do. One day we will all be together forever. I love you, Zack.

We would like to invite all of Zachary's friends and classmates from Chesterfield and Buckingham to leave comments on this website. I know that some of you shared your feelings on the Blileys web site and on the Richmond Times Dispatch website. It was truly touching to read your thoughts and stories about Zack. We would like to use this place as a place to honor Zachary and be able to share our feelings. Even if you want to just leave your name and a simple comment, you are welcome to do so. Just click on the word comments below this paragraph and scroll down till you see the box to type in. We look forward to hearing from you.

Over the past several days I have thought about how I was supposed to spend this Thanksgiving. Does God actually expect for me to give thanks for the things that have happened in my life this year? There were days that I thought..... Surely I should be let off the hook (at least for this year). As I searched my heart for the answer, I was reminded of a letter I received from an old classmate. He spoke of the trials and tribulations that Job went through in the old testament, and the scripture that he spoke of was Job 23:10. It says.... But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. I have taken that as my life verse, because I believe that through this trial I can choose to either be made stronger or I can choose to give up and let life take it's miserable toll on me. So today, (even though my heart is so heavy) I thought I would be thankful for all that I still have, but more importantly the special time that I had with Zachary. I am so thankful that one day soon we will be reunited for eternity. I am so blessed by reading everyones comments, and to see that Zachary's life can still have such an impact on people.
Vicki (MOM)

Today was very hard. It would have been Zack's 12th birthday. He is in my heart and in my thoughts every second of every day, but today my pain was much greater. What a happy day this usually is for our family. How excited Zack would be when his feet hit the floor on the morning of his birthdays. I missed that this morning more than anyone will ever know. I am grateful for those of you that visited us at the cemetary or just came by to give us support through your friendship. It made today much easier than it would have been.
Vicki (mom)

If you could hear me right now, I would tell you that I feel so lost without you. You were my pride and joy. I am trying so hard to be strong, but it is very difficult. I cannot wait to see you and hold you again. Somedays are just so hard and so long. I pray that God will continue to give me the strength to face each day without you here.
Hugs and Kisses.
I Love You,
Mom
P.S. When I ask Jacob where his Zacky is.... he raises his hands to heaven everytime!

Both Vicki and Rick greatly appreciate all of the support from family, friends, and even strangers during this difficult time. They welcome each visitor to leave comments to their posts if they so desire.

To leave a comment to particular post, simple click on the "comments" link below the article, and scroll down to leave your comment. If you have any difficulties or need any other assistance in doing this, please feel free to contact our website manager.

I can remember vividly the day Zack was born. And the day he left us constantly replays in my mind. What seems to keep me going is all of the time between. Everyone had their own personal time with Zack and his influence seemed to be great. Always by my side , always helpful , and interested in the reason for every action , he is still with me and always on my mind. I can only hope to have a fraction of the influence on the people in my life that Zack did.

Sometimes, I believe that God strategically places angels in our lives. They make us smile when we feel sad. They encourage us when we feel discouraged. They make things that are unbearable bearable. I could go on forever. As I think back on Zachary’s life I realize that to me he may have actually been one of these angels. Zachary taught us so much. He loved everyone no matter who they were or what they were like. He found good in every person. I believe that, while there are many important messages that we can learn from and take away from his precious life, this was one that seems so clear to me. Live everyday as if it were your last. Find something good in everyone and tell them, after all God created each and everyone of us and we are all fearfully and wonderfully made.