This last Saturday Christa and I were at Zach's memorial service in Fresno. An emotional time, to be sure, but also a healing time as Matt, George and Brygu were there also. We had along talk with Keith on the phone also. The last time we had all been together was at my wedding, 8 years ago. We all resolved not to let such an occasion be the only reason for us to get together. We are tentatively planning a vacation with all of our families either in late 2009 or in early 2010.
My part in the service shrunk a bit as the church (zach's church as well as his mother's) took more of a lead role. I was the first speaker up and I told stories about how Zach became a believer and how grew as a Christian. Part of my job was to tell people about Zach before he ended up in Fresno. Fill in some of the details and background. BUt the one who was really extraordinary was Douglas, the father of Zach's ex-girlfriend. He spoke to Zach's character in a way which made everyone want to know him that much more, about being such a hard worker and a man of integrity.
it was tough on the family, of course, but Zach's mother Pamela wrote and read an extraordinary tribute letter that she wrote to Zach. Full of raw emotion and the love that only a mother could give and feel. I still have a hard time believing that she made it all the way through the letter without totally breaking down.
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