Rollercoasters...: You would be 17…

First and foremost, Happy Birthday Zach! I still think about you each and everyday. I also draw from my “memory bank” things you did that make me smile. These are my happy thoughts, thoughts that warm my heart.

You had a great dislike for any and all vegetables and fruits. We tried and tried to convince you that they tasted YUMMY!!! One night, we bribed you to take a bite of asparagus. You took one bite and immediately began to gag and then wretch. That was all it took…another vegetable would never pass your lips unless it was mashed potatoes, french fries, or corn.

I also remember hiding behind a corner on all fours and waiting for you to walk down the hall. I would come out barking at you like a dog and would give you a pretty good scare. It was ALWAYS funny when I did that!! But, when you returned the prank on me, I somehow just did not find the humor, as I about jumped out of my skin!!!

Remember when you had me watch a video of one of your favorite bands “The Killers?” You told me I might not appreciate some things in the video. And just to validate your thoughts, I decided to be somewhat dramatic by gasping and covering my eyes. You were watching me and trying to stifle your laugh. You were so funny to watch as I gave my dramatic affects.

Remember how Rachel and I were dancing away in the kitchen? You decided to video us and put it on your FB! You thought it was SO funny…and, for us, somewhat embarrassing. Fortunately, that video has been archived!

I well remember how you could order your own “happy meal” at McDonalds by the time you were 4! “Cheeseburger plain, no pickles, no onions and a chocolate shake please.” I received many lectures from “Dad, the cardiologist” in regards as to how I was clogging your arteries at an early age. It’s a good thing he didn’t know how you graduated from McDonalds to Wendy’s and how many “Baconators” you put away!

I well remember how you sang “Families Can Be Together Forever” at the St. George Temple when you were about 9. You were SO incredibly excited to be the star of the show. You sang that song in front of ALL the Little Valley Stake Youth. You were dressed in white, and Rachel, Dad, and I were too. Dad, Rachel, and I were standing by the temple as if we had already passed to the other side of the veil. Once you finished singing, you came running into our arms as we lovingly embraced you, welcoming you home. How significant that memory has become to me. You will now be the one, who has passed to the other side of the veil, to welcome each of us home. What a joyous and blessed day that will be!!! I am so grateful to know that I will see you again one day. Families are eternal, of this, I know.

Happy Birthday Zach!!! I am glad that your sisters and nieces could be here to do our birthday balloon send-off. Thank you for being our guardian angel. I am grateful for those sweet and sacred moments of feeling you near. I send you my love, hugs, and LOTS of kisses ~ Mom