June 22, 1984-January 5, 2007
“Our Angel”, Zack, was 22 years old. Severely injured in an industrial accident, Life Lion flew him to Hershey Medical Center where we prayed for a miracle. When that was not to be God’s will, we were faced with a huge decision. Zack had not been an organ donor, but in trying to make the decision, family and friends agreed, without hesitation that Zack would choose to donate his organs. He would want to help other people live even if it meant he couldn’t—four people received Zack’s heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas and are living today because of him.
With his big heart and beautiful smile, Zack always made friends everywhere he went. Everyone loved Zack. He was happy-go-lucky and always put others first. Over 1,500 people attended his funeral—what a tribute to how he lived his life. Zack loved cars, music, and sports. His brother, Nat, and he were best friends—always playing sports or just hanging out together.
This quilt square is made from one of Zack’s shirts and the photo is of Zack in his high school football uniform.
A song played at his funeral by Kenny Chesney (“Who You’d Be Today”) speaks so well of how it feels to live without Zack… “Sunny days seem to hurt the most, I wear the pain like a heavy coat, I see you everywhere I go, I see your smile, I see your face, hear you laughing in the rain, still can’t believe you’re gone”…the song ends with “the only thing that gives me hope, is I know, I’ll see you again someday.” And knowing that is what gives us hope as we honor and remember Zack, our Angel in heaven.
Zack, we miss you and love you forever.
Mom, Nat, Grandma, Pap, & Shaylyn and all your family and friends.