Zachary's Way just got a little bit better. Last weekend I traveled home to Pennsylvania with my family to add a very special sign to Zachary's Way.
It's difficult to put how I feel into words. Seeing Zachary's Way all together brings an overwhelming emotion. You just have to be there to experience it yourself. I feel his presence when I'm there. You sit in the quiet countryside at a place that exudes hope, watching the horses graze in the pasture while overlooking the most serene view. Around me is the beautiful greenery that has grown to envelop Zachary's Way. Seven beautiful benches engraved, Remembering Zachary, adorn the ornately laid out pathway. Greeting you at the entrance is my father's, Grandpa Joe's, handmade sign for his grandson. He chiseled out each of the letters and balloons on either side, because it's become our tradition to send Zachary balloons to heaven each year on his birthday. Now as you stand at the entrance for Zachary's Way, your eye is pulled even deeper into the the center. There you'll find Zachary's Way's newest addition, a beautiful wayside sign. It tells the visitors who Zachary is, and how Zachary's Way came to be.
We have known for some time that we wanted and needed a sign to sit on Zachary's Way. I always struggle to complete things for Zachary because I'm afraid that there may not be something to do next. Eleven years later, I think I'm finally understanding that there is always going to be something else to do for him. He is a part of our family. We may not be able to touch him, help him with his homework, take him to get the new coolest haircut or to watch him laugh with his friends. Instead, we have found other ways to spend time with him. I have the MOST loving and supportive friends and family. They will never let Zachary be forgotten.
There are many people who I need to thank for helping to create this beautiful sign. First, my Dad. I had asked him to write the words that would be on Meatball's sign. I just wanted it to be perfect. I want people who read it to feel the love that we have for him and to be inspired to remember him along with us by doing something positive in his honor. Thank you to my sister-in-law and editor, Diana. She helped polish our words, making them read just how we wanted. Thank you to my husband. He helped me layout the design of the sign, contacted the company, and handled all of the nitty gritty. He also spent hours installing the sign and making sure it was perfect. Thank you to Marley's Mission. They made this sign happen. I will never stop being blown away by their generosity and love for Zachary. Not one person there has ever met him, yet they love him as if they have. Lastly, I'd like to thank my beautiful children. They are always so supportive of the ways we get to honor and remember their brother. I'm thankful for their big hearts and kind souls. I hope that they help me continue to carry on his legacy and spirit for a long time to come.
When I am at Zachary's Way I am happy and I feel at peace. With all of the ways that my heart has been broken and glued back together, I am thankful for these moments.
Some photos from our day. ❤️
In my last few moments before I had to leave Zachary's Way, I took my shoes off to feel rooted and to absorb the positive energy. I looked down at my tattoo, "March Forth," and knew that I was going to continue to be okay. I keep marching forth for you Zachary. You are my inspiration and my angel. I am so lucky to be your mommy.