They Rallied Around

Today, our town and his family paid their last respects to a hometown boy, a former student of mine, one about whom I never heard one negative comment.  Not once.

Just 19, accepting the loss of his life comes hard.  No words.  What can one really say?  They tried, though.

Today, I listened to other former students speak about this football-loving, duck/deer-hunting young man who seemed to care about everyone.  Listened, as they stood before a large crowd and overcame their loss and concern about speaking before that crowd, so they could pay that last tribute.  In that stand, they gained strength.

Earlier today, I shared this memory of Zach with friends on Facebook:  

Today, I taught class at Lyon College for UBMS...class was from 12:30-1:30...so we chatted about all the extra vehicles on campus.

Then, I said, "Let me tell you a story." As I told them, teachers aren't the only ones that leave a lasting impression...students leave lasting impressions on their teachers, as well.

Back in the fall of 2013, one morning, we somehow, in a class of three girls and 15-18 football players and Bleacher Creatures, got on the topic of football (again). I shared with them that I was still learning football...had never even been to a game until I became a Pioneer...and that, so far, clapping and booing when everyone else did had worked for me...but...I was ready to do what I always do when I need to learn about something...yes, buy a book, so I asked for title suggestions.

"Football for Dummies," came the reply.

Not sure if the title or my look was the reason for the laughter, but Zach was then quick to say, "No, really, that's what my mom bought when she wanted to learn more!"

I took his advice, purchased the book, showed it to them, and every so often someone would ask if I were reading it, and I would hold the book up...and show the class some annotations.

No, I haven't finished the book...still clapping and booing when everyone else does. I am going to, though...and I will always keep my copy of Football for Dummies.

After class, I walked to Brown Chapel...which was full...then to the Lyon Building to attend via live stream...that impression of Zach I once had and still have was only reinforced during his service.

I think I can speak for all his teachers...thank you, Lisa and Darin, for sharing Zach with us...just as he was a blessing to his family and so many friends, he blessed us.

A fellow teacher replied with this comment:

I agree with you, Tammy, I am so appreciative that parents like his share their children like Zach with us. I fear we do not tell them, parents nor students, enough how much they mean to us and how proud we are to know them.

I don't tell anyone enough that I am proud of them nor how much they mean to me.  While I would never want these words to be come empty and meaningless, nor do I want to be few of words in this area of my anymore.

Part of Zach's testimony was how positive he was, how sensitive he was, how loving, caring...he has a left a legacy, a tremendous one.