The 12th was a new and challenging time. People at my Church, the ones that know me and my family, asked.."Has this been a good week or a bad one?" How do you explain that it was neither good nor bad, it was unbelievably sad, painful and challenging. We expect to lose a grandparent or even a parent; but not our babies. When it's our grandchild, we mourn their loss itself, but we also grieve and want so much to bear the pain for our child. Ricky and Vicki should not have to be dealing with this. My solace is that God has a plan. He has to, for otherwise it would make no sense. He didn't cause us to lose Zachary, but He can make some good to come out of that loss. I personally cling to that thought. So, until we can see Zack again one day and talk to him face to face....Happy Birthday, honey! We all love you and miss you every single day.;
Love Mamom

I wasn't sure how I was going to handle Zachary's birthday. I knew it would be difficult...and it was. But it was made easier that when I went out to visit him, more of the family was there visiting the precious person that we are all missing so desperately. Then on the drive home, Faith (my 5 year old) started singing Happy Birthday to Zachary so soft and sweetly, and instantly my normally noisy boy-filled car became silent except for her little voice. We all ache with the loss that no one should ever have to experience. We love you Zacky!

To Zack's parents. I want to start this post off by saying that I am very sad to hear of your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers went out as I read through this website from a link at Fas Trac. I loss my older brother suddenly and tragically a little over 2yrs. ago and found myself crying last night thinking of his last days.

Please press in closer to God during these trying times. I knew God didn't cause my brother to die but I struggled greatly trying to answer "Why did it happen" I drifted away from the word and God and ended up getting my but kicked by Satan for about a year and half after it happened. I have rediscovered Gods unwavering love and know that Sean, my brother, is in heaven waiting for us to arrive. Don't accept any feelings of guilt. Time does help the loss not feel so raw. Try to cherish all the beutiful things that Zack brought into your lives and focus on the good. I think Zack would want that. My family will continue to lift yours up in prayer. God Bless.
Mark McGrath

Yes, this day was relly hard. i remember releasing all the purple balloons and the one white one all the rest disappeared and we saw the white one for the longest time. white representing you zachary. we all wrote messages on those balloons and i hope you got them all. we all care greatly about you and miss you so much. Your birthday was really hard but then there was christmas and waking up to find MY stocking was so hard because usually you are right beside me opening yours. its just not the same here without you. its so hard. everyone tries to say they understand but they dont nothing can help what I'm going through. Talking about seems to make it worse, making me all upset. but then again keeping it all bottled up isnt good either. im so lost without you zachary we had some fun times especially when we buschhogged the horses pasture together or when we raced fourwheelers through the pasture when we used to go to skate-a-way and ALL the girls would chase after you. haha you were a trip. so funny always making someone laugh. OR how bout how we argued over who opens the gate... looks like well im .. wait no mom helps me with it now haha. i used to always get you to do it and im sorry ill open every gate for you if i could ever get the chance.
you know i think about if i could spend one more day with you what i would do. and i realized i couldnt do it because it would make it that much harder to let go. i wouldnt want to i love you so much and i mean its so hard now. i would love to have one more day its just i wouldnt want it to end. i mean zack there will NEVER EVER!!! be anyone like you!! you were so brave smart cute handsome funny and outgoing i dont think they'll ever be someone else like you...
P.s. remember when u were at your locker H-E-Y!!!!!! hahahahaha wow i miss you soo much just thinking about all those things you told me makes me smile but makes my heart break making me realize how much i miss you
I LOVE YOU!
FOREVER AND ALWAYS.