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Tonight I am doing the Light the Night Walk that benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Zach! He truly changed my life and is the reason I started going to church again in 7th grade. I dont know where my life would've headed if I never met him. love and prayers
Elaine Odum <elmo882@gmail.com>
Knoxville , TN USA - Thursday, October 24, 2013 4:48 PM CDT

Yesterday another bright light was taken from this Earth and it made me think of you. Please watch over Kaden for me Zach. He's a great little kid whose smile lit up the room - like yours. I hope you don't mind but I've used one of the poems in your blog to send to Kaden's family. Thanks buddy with much love and many huggaroo's :-)
Lin Fennell
OP, KS USA - Thursday, July 1, 2010 3:44 PM CDT

i don't know if you remember me or not but i went to Kathrine carpenter with Zach from kindergarten. i havent seen him in 4 years... and i still think about him i miss him dearly...
i wish the best for you and
R.I.P
Zachery Stewart Marion
tony kimmi <tonykimmi@sbcglobal.net>
overland park , ks usa - Sunday, July 20, 2008 3:43 AM CDT

Thinking of Zach today - Happy Birthday! Knowing Zach for just a short time changed our lives. You're always in our prayers.
Love,
DeeJo & Hannah
DeeJo Miller <deejo_222@yahoo.com>
- Monday, February 18, 2008 7:49 AM CST

Hey Marions it was great to see you today! I hope you guys have a great holiday.

P.S. My foot is frozen from that water. Haha
Tim Rodden <Bosox1407@aol.com>
Overland Park, KS United States - Sunday, December 16, 2007 7:56 PM CST

I had the honor to be one of Zach's nurses while he was at CMH. I still think of Zach often being that he was a great kid, he had an affect on everyone with his positive attitude through all the horror he had to endure. Thank you for keeping this site posted every so often. It is nice to hear that your family is surviving. I continue to keep your family in my prayers. Good luck if you ever do decide to run another marathon! :)
Katie
Topeka, KS - Saturday, October 27, 2007 6:46 PM CDT

Wow!!! This is absolutely amazing!! I have continued to check the site for updates. I have thought of Zach a lot recently. Especially his jokes of the day. He was such a unique young man. Look at all the lives he continues to touch.

Just a quick update on Christopher. This year he carried the Relay banner here with another little girl that received treatment at CMH. It was the first time we have participated with Relay since diagnosis. It was a very emotional moment for all of us. In that short time frame I thought of everyone we got to know at Children's. All the families that have fought this battle and continue to today.

What a great tribute to Zach from Dream Factory!!!
Penny Wood <penny@kkowradio.com>
Pittsburg, KS USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2007 11:29 AM CDT

Sara,
I happened to check the web-site today and saw you had recently updated it. It was neat to learn about the Mt.Everest climb! I know Scott had a great time at the golf tournament. What a beautiful day the Lord provided. As I read a few of the other journal entries, I was so touched as to how God continues to use your love for Zach to encourage and enrich the lives of others. Thank you for blessing me and so many others through your words and your life.

May the God of peace fill you with His presence and His peace.

In Him,
Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller <skmiller@everestkc.net>
- Monday, May 21, 2007 10:29 AM CDT

Sara,
I am so happy to have the link to follow Zach and Mike's journey up Mt. Everest. You have been such an important person during our journey. You are one of the first mom's I met when Hannah was in the hospital. You don't know this but many of our conversations have run through my mind and gotten me through some difficult times. I'm blessed to count you as a friend.
DeeJo
DeeJo Miller <deejo_222@yahoo.com>
Gardne, KS - Friday, May 11, 2007 4:18 PM CDT

I was excited to see that the website was updated. I was one of the many nurses that had the priviledge to take care of Zach in his journy through cancer and I still think of him often. He was very brave and courageous, as were Bill, Sara and Nathan. Thanks for keeping those of us who check in updated on how life is going. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Katie <kt_lildrago@yahoo.com>
Topeka, KS - Tuesday, May 8, 2007 4:04 PM CDT

Sara-I'm so pleased to see that you have updated the site. I visit it frequently because I think of Zach so often. I think you are such a tremendous and brave woman. I see you every day at work and I know it is a constant struggle for you and I wish there was something I could say or do to help ease the pain that you feel. I love when you tell stories about Nathan and Zach because I can see you transform as you go back to a memory that was a happier place for you. You're a great mother - just look at what wonderful kids Nathan and Zach are - and an inspiration. You have so much love inside of you and I know that Zach is with you every day. I am anxious to visit Mike's site to learn more of his Everest journey.

Take care of yourself.
Jessica Hailey <jrhailey@terracon.com>
Kansas City, Mo - Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:26 AM CDT

I have no idea what to say, yet I am compelled to leave a message. I got here by way of the Mt. Everest team site and how I got there is a different story altogether.

I have a distant cousin Marin Morrison who has a cancerous brain tumor and also has a caringbridge page that I check fairly often, so I wanted to read a little about Zach's life.

I can tell you this, that your sorrow and Zach's life still touches people, me being one today. I appreciate your faith and continued references to specific scriptures. That has helped me today to remember the urgency that my spiritual well-being requires.

I also have a son about Zach's age (born in 94) and can't imagine not being able to see him grow up. Unlike Zach, he is healthy and starting to give me plenty of the grief that accompany these years and honestly he's a great kid, but at times I forget that and don't cherish him the way that I should. So Zach and your loss has given me pause to think about that as well.

Dale Heffernan
- Sunday, April 29, 2007 2:52 AM CDT

I got your website throught the Mount Everest Expedition that Mike is doing. I don't know either of you but found the climb to be exciting! I read your entries and felt compelled to leave a message. I teach elementary physical education in Goodhue, MN. Six weeks ago, one of my 3rd grade students passed away from ALL. He was diagnosed in Kindergarten and I have watched all the good and bad he has gone through. It doesn't help that I have a son in that class also. I know his parents are wonderful people, but if you get a chance, maybe you could read his website and leave a message for his mom. I think you can relate to her and her feelings. Thanks for sharing your son with the world!!

www.caringbridge.org/mn/bryceb

Dawn Austin <cjaaustin@msn.com>
Goodhue, MN - Monday, April 9, 2007 1:21 PM CDT

I had a basketball game tonight, and I played it in honor of Zach. We won, and im pretty sure that Zach helped. I thought about him during my last 2 free throws, and I think he was the one who made them go in. Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you.
Love,
Ryan
Ryan Knight <RKShorty22@aol.com>
- Sunday, February 18, 2007 10:26 PM CST

I was referred to your site by Michelle White. I am doing the Team In Training marathon in San Diego this year, and she sent me here to read about your experience. Congratulations on your marathon! What a grand achievement. I know Zach is smiling down on you for doing this in his honor. I'll be running in honor of my friend Brad Wolzak who was diagnosed with leukemia in October, and in memory of Michelle's son TJ. Just wanted to let you know I was here and thinking of you and your family.
Jenny <webgrl@gmail.com>
Independence, MO USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2007 10:03 AM CST

Just wanted to let you know people are reading your journal. Keep writing, as you encourage everyone who reads this.
Martha D
Pittsburgh, PA USA - Monday, January 29, 2007 12:22 AM CST

Hello! I have been thinking of you all lately! I hope you are doing well! May many blessings be with your family this Holiday Season! Cyndi, Jared & Cody
Cyndi <cyndi730@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, December 21, 2006 8:19 PM CST

Hi, It's Jill. I was a unit secretary on 4H when Zach was there. I am a nurse now and I think of you all often. I love you and hope you are doing well.
Jill <bear67doggy@hotmail.com>
KC, NO 64114 - Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:04 AM CST

sounds like the ZachZoo poker run and Benefit Ride went pretty good!Thanks for the shirt!
Always love,
Ryan
Ryan Knight <RKShorty22@aol.com>
- Monday, September 25, 2006 9:27 PM CDT

hey it's hannah and i just wanted to say hi and that i hope your doing good and if you named your two dogs yet.
love hannah miller
Hannah Miller <liftr4_eva@hotmail.com>
Gardner, ks usa - Tuesday, September 5, 2006 9:22 AM CDT

I found your site through anothers who signed my son's book and I believe my son sent me because before he relapsed (ALL) I signed up for TNT and shortly after the devistating news of relapse put that on hold.

He would joke about it saying "hey Mom, remember that marathon you were going to run"? I know it is something I must do before God calls me home I just cant seem to imagine it.

I lost my son too (1 year ago next month) and now I am serving overseas fighting in the war. Many think I am brave to come over here after all I endured however compared to the war of losing a child nothing even comes close, I know you understand.

I wanted to write mostly to say I am proud of you for completeing a marathon, I too hope to someday achieve the same in honor of my little hero.

God Bless you...

www3.caringbridge.org/ne/cavion
Danielle
Saudi Arabia - Friday, August 18, 2006 5:47 PM CDT

Hello,Marions.
I just wanted you to know that I think of Zach and your family often. Although I'm not working on 4 Henson anymore, I will carry memories of Zach and others with me forever. Each time I think of Zach I lift up a prayer on behalf of your family. May God continue to cover you in His grace and strength.
Jillian, former RN on 4 Henson
Fayetteville, AR - Tuesday, August 1, 2006 8:18 PM CDT

Hello from Western Kansas! We purchased a luminary for the Run for Life event held in our area on July 7th for Zach.

I think of him often! My new students sang "Somewhere In My Memory" from "Home Alone" at our Christmas concert last year in Zach's honor.
What a sweetheart!

Much love to you all --
Former Katherine Carpenter music teacher
Jeannette Raynes
Jeannette Raynes <plaidraynbowj@yahoo.com>
Sublette, KS USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 9:53 AM CDT

Hello Marions,
I just wanted you to know that Nathan did an incredible job on the Mission Trip this past week. He worked so hard and never slacked off, even when it was hot and tiring work. Nathan also made us all laugh quite often and was a joy to be around. I just wanted you to know what an incredible son you have.
A Mission Team-er
- Saturday, March 18, 2006 9:04 PM CST

Dear Marions,
I am thinking of you today and hoping things are going well for each of you. I am also remembering Zach and know he's doing fine in God's hands. I am sending a piece to Sara that I found comforting. Hope she will too. Love, Keith and Jan
Keith and Jan Keirsy <kjkeirsey@cox.net>
Bella Vista , AR USA - Thursday, March 2, 2006 8:26 AM CST

WOW!!! You guys are INCREDIBILE!!! Sarah, when I look at you in the pictures I see your fun kid like spirit, determination, courage, and strength. These are the exact characteristics I will always remember about Zach. Continue to shine.....I see Zach in YOU!
Ronda Lawson and family <krselawson@yahoo.com>
Carl Junction , MO USA - Sunday, February 19, 2006 8:47 AM CST

Sara and Bill! That is Awesome what you all have accomplished! I admire the both of you for all you did and what a great time I am sure you had! The pictures were great and I enjoy very much reading your entries! I check on Zachs site all the time. I want to say thank you for raising all that money for the society because it will benifit a lot of the children and adults and some you may know! Jared is doing great and will be off all chemotherapy next year. Jared is also the honored patient for the Team in Training for our local area. They will be running etc.. in California. What a great organization! Please Take Care! I will be checking his site soon, so I hope you continue to journal in it. There are people who still do read and keep up with you! God Bless Cyndi and Jared
Cyndi (Jared Peters Mother) <cyndi730@hotmail.com>
St. Joseph, Mo - Saturday, February 4, 2006 7:56 PM CST

Congrats on the run. Deejo has talked about Zach and your run in is Honor. What an amazing thing to do. I read you journal--why I'm not sure--but I did. Nathan has refractory AML with monosomy 7 and we are hopefully on our way to a transplant in Minnesota. He has failed 5 different
rounds of chemo. I just felt that I needed to see where this might end I guess, and know that life can and will move forward. Thank you for your bravery in sharing Zachs story.
t crabtree <tamcrab@yahoo.com>
MO - Friday, February 3, 2006 8:24 PM CST

Congratulations on your HUGE accomplishment!!! That is absolutely amazing, you guys should be very proud of yourselves...I know Zach would have been. I think of him all the time...I still have a few goofy pictures of that cutie on my refrigerator! Everybody always asks about him. Continue to take things day by day... tell Nathan I said hello! Take care guys-
Love-

Cristy Bettes <cbettes@dellmail.com>
O.P., KS - Monday, January 30, 2006 9:01 PM CST

I am so impressed by your accomplishment! (Not to mention your statistical prowess)

And guess what? There are those of us who still read this. :) So keep writing!!

Vivian Love
OP, KS - Monday, January 30, 2006 1:50 PM CST

Way to go Marion's! What an incredible accomplishment. YOU REALLY DID IT! Has it sunk in yet? We are sooooo proud of you both and were cheering you on from start to finish.

OK! So now that's over, what's next in line? :) :) :) :)

Hugs to you all,
Those Fennell's
Fennell's <fennells@sbcglobal.net>
OP, KS USA - Saturday, January 28, 2006 1:15 AM CST

hi Zach i was just wanting you to know that you are in my prayers and thoughts and i hope that you get better and feel better soon.
Katlyn Hood <wmstrackmanager@yahoo.com>
Gardner, ks USA - Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:15 PM CST

I hope you are tremendously proud of your accomplishment and know that the money and awareness you raised will strongly benefit/impact research and families. I'm certain that without knowing it, you have touched many lives and hearts through your training and completion of the marathon. Congratulations!
Jess Hailey <jrhailey@mindspring.com>
Kansas City, MO USA - Tuesday, January 10, 2006 1:03 PM CST

Bill & Sara,
Hannah and I thought of you yesterday as you were running. (and running and running...) I wonder what bit of new knowledge they find doing more research with the money you raised? Thank you for making a difference in so many ways. We love you guys!
DeeJo & Hannah
DeeJo Miller <deejo_222@yahoo.com>
- Monday, January 9, 2006 11:05 AM CST

Bill and Sara,
Best of luck to you tomorrow as you run your first marathon. I have run 2 marathons and I can tell you that there is not a more exhilirating feeling than finishing one. When you cross the finish line you will feel so proud of your accomplishment and you should!!! Congrats to you on completing the training and best of luck to you in your race. I know Zach will be running alongside you cheering you on every single step of the way!
Kara Hoolehan <karawalsh2@yahoo.com>
Prairie Village, KS - Saturday, January 7, 2006 12:29 AM CST

WEll, I hope you are having a great time in Florida today. I will be praying for you - that you get some rest tonight, have strength, energy and good health tomorrow. May God richly bless you as you run this very special race!
I will be thinking of you and praying for you.

Kathleen

Kathleen Miller <skmiller@everestkc.net>
Lenexa, - Saturday, January 7, 2006 9:00 AM CST

I have heard Deejo and Hannah speak of Zach and have been to afraid to read his pages. Our son Nathan was diagnosed with AML, M2 with monosomy 7, on August 28th 2005. He has not achieved remission after 4 ruounds of induction chemotheropy. Just when we thought there was no where to turn we got word of a tranplant study at the University of Minnesota Fairview. With renewed hope we moved forward with the holidays to discover that Coventry insurance would not even cover 1 cent of the transplant. We are still fighting and Nathan will undergo chemo round five starting friday. My heart aches for all families and we will pray that your run in florida is as healing as our trip we took with make-a-wish in November. The family time together is treasured as we prepare for the unknown. The courage you show to keep up your journal helps me to know that we must live for today and keep up the fight. I am so sorry for your families loss, and greatful that I finally summend up the courage to read Zachs journal pages. Thank YOu and God Bless your family.
t. crabtree <tamcrab@yahoo.com>
mo - Tuesday, January 3, 2006 8:42 PM CST

Hey family!

What a great time of the year!

I'm so glad that "SO" many people are happy and unselfish of themsleves... think about it!

All of the things that have happened since 1-1-05 to today...

We've still got it pretty damn nice!

UNSELFISH acts are all around us... But yet only a few of "US" can see it!

When I was at mom's on Christmas day I had a quick reflection I shared with the family while MY 3 amigos were acting like 4 year olds opening their gifts... ,,,"""...

You know Bones! We named our grandmother well...because she was nothing but skin and Bones...But a tough old lady who never quit! She said when I have my 2nd boy she will be at rest and will then be ready to go see Bill (grandpa)! True enough to her words that's what happened... Lori and I were in no hurry to start our family it just work out that way.. I had no intent to keep bones hangin on!... And afterwards at her service... It hit me... She did it the way she wanted it done! And then as UNSELFISH as she was... went on to a peacful meadow, or pond,lake...

Several years ago now my brother Mitch died 12-20, Moms 2nd husband dies at Easter, Before that My ex's grandma died on 1-04 and on her mother's B DAY...

Well the point is... They stuck around long enough for a reason! They were going out! WE ALL KNEW THAT! Bill and Sara too! It takes Family to sit and reflect on those Great times we shared together... They left when they where ready... We were prepared... But selfishly we wanted them to stay...

Paper cuts hurt... Hitting your funny bone sends Sharp tingels up your arm... Cutting your nails to close...what a pain...

Then look around and all of the US's problems, the Worlds problems... How UNselfish we really are...It's not about the MONEY! It's the people who have signed on here.. Or helping at school or church...

We all Care... We all do not like suffering... and Our loved ones who left us, so that we would SUFFER no longer! But that we can share our strengths and help out another member of the family with our time and support!

Marions, I hope you have enjoyed this Holiday season and its' meaning!

From our family to yours.. Love ya!

Rich and the Boy's
richard Briggs <rbriggs@everestkc.net>
overland park, ks us of a - Friday, December 30, 2005 11:24 PM CST

Our family went to Target and picked out some holiday treasures with the gift card that you gave us when baby Jack was born. Each item was carefully selected in memory of Zach. I know that year after year these treasures will be displayed in our home and we'll share memories of Zach and your family. We'll be cheering you on in January!!! We're soooo proud of you!!!
Ronda Lawson and family <krselawson@yahoo.com>
Carl Junction , MO - Wednesday, December 28, 2005 10:09 PM CST

Your family has been in my thoughts this weekend. Thank you for sharing such sweet holiday pictures of your boys. Remembering Zach and the others we shared 4 Henson with last year, and following other stories such as Hannah Miller, reminds us of what is important during the holiday season. You will always be in our thoughts.
The Meara Family- Tracey, Brian, Lauren and Elise <btmeara@comcast.net>
Corvallis, OR - Sunday, December 18, 2005 7:44 PM CST

We enjoyed looking at the Christmas greetings. The boys look so happy! We know it's a tough time as you go through the season again without Zach. Sounds like you are using everthing you can to help yourselves. Zach would want you to handle things just like you are. We think of you often and pray for you too. Keith and Jan Keirsey
Keith and Jan Keirsey <kjkeirsey@cox.net>
Bella Vista, AR - Sunday, December 18, 2005 5:37 PM CST

Dear Marion Family,
I can't believe it has been a year, either. Sharing the journey you have been on has been an amazing spiritual experience for me. I have kept on checking back for updates and most the time I don't know what to say -- as I have never met any of you. I went to Carpenter a number of years ago, and I learned about Zach through Ryan Knight's sister Rachel (we have known each other since KC). I often meditate on the thoughts you share as you struggle with your loss and on the marathon training and other things you've picked up in remembrance of Zach. I laughed while reading Zach's likes and dislikes. I'm 23 and I still hate scary movies, and I think I hate the music more.

You all have touched so many lives and your story is something I have gained so much from following. I am grateful that you shared so much of yourselves and Zach through this website, for it has opened my heart to so many things. I'm beginning to understand and accept that I may not know what God's will is and isn't, but I know that it is.

Rachel Cooksey <rachcooks@aol.com>
Overland Park, KS USA - Sunday, December 18, 2005 3:16 AM CST

bill,sara & nathan,Psalm 31:24 says"Be strong and let your heart take courage,all you who hope in the LORD".this was a difficult day and you were thought of by many people who care for you and, although bill,i haven't seen or spoken to you since iowa city 23 years ago,i thought of your family today.sara had mentioned the song "Heartsick" i hear it occationally on the radio & thoughts go to zach & your family when it is played. it's a very touching song. please accept my deepest sympathy. wayne cleveland.class of 1973
wayne cleveland <wayne-cleveland@uiowa.edu>
iowa city , ia usa - Friday, December 16, 2005 11:25 PM CST

Dear Marion Family,
Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers today as always. I have been thinking about Zach a lot the past couple of weeks. Hope you take the day to remember all the wonderful things you experienced with Zach and the great family times you had together. He is up in heaven and at peace now but very much alive in the hearts of the the people that knew him.
Kathy Wright <klwright@terracon.com>
Olathe, KS - Friday, December 16, 2005 3:50 PM CST

Dear Sara, Bill, Nathan (and Zach),
We know this day will bring back a huge mountain of sad thoughts, but we hope you can see through that sadness and be comforted knowing that Zach will always be with you. With love and great big hugs. The Fennell's

STORY TIME:
I remember the day you had the bone marrow drive at the church. Zach was 'hiding out' in the car, but I spied him and immediately rushed over to give him a great big mushy kiss and hug! I could tell he was mortified at the thought of this loud English lady bounding towards him and can still see the look of sheer 'horror' combined with 'I dare you', upon his face. As I got closer, I think he realized that this crazy woman really was going to scoop him up ~ IN PUBLIC, and knew there was no getting away from her. Suddenly, his expression changed, and as I got closer his grin got bigger..... and bigger...... until it had turned into that full faced, whole body, 'Zach' smile and giggle, all rolled into one! What a wonderful thought for today :-)
Lin John James and Alex <fennells@sbcglobal.net>
OP, KS - Friday, December 16, 2005 10:47 AM CST

Sara and Family, just to let you know that we are especially thinking of you today. Like I have always said, I never really got to know you very well however I remember meeting with Zach and talking with him an how he made me laugh so hard when I passed his room and he had this big afro on. I will never forget that laugh he gave Jared an I when Jared was so sick! He gave everyone a reason to smile! What A Kid! But now an angel we are all fortunate to have looking over our children who are in their fight! May God Bless!
Cyndi (Jared Peters Mother) <cyndi730@hotmail.com>
St. Joseph, Mo. - Friday, December 16, 2005 10:05 AM CST

Your family and Zach's friends are always in my thoughts, but especially today and this time of year. Please know that my heart is with you and Zach is never far from our thoughts. He made a lasting impression and gives Hannah a reason to fight all the harder. Thanks for standing by Hannah and cheering her on. You're Incredible!
Love,
DeeJo

DeeJo Miller <deejo_222@yahoo.com>
Gardner, KS - Friday, December 16, 2005 9:04 AM CST

As today is a big day in your lives, remember all the good times that you had with Zach and keep in mind that he will always be with you, not in body, but in spirit. May you feel God's blessings during this time.

Amy Miles <amiles@intcon.net>
Claremore, OK - Friday, December 16, 2005 8:54 AM CST

The Marions:
I knew that this would be the hardest joural entry ever. I can only imagine how difficult this day must be for all of you. I can only hope and pray that you find some comfort and peace knowing that Zach is still with so many of us each and every day in spirit. We still find ourselves telling funny stories about him and remembering just how shy and sweet he could be. You know my heart just aches for you and know that I am thinking about each and everyone of you today and every day. Take care!!!

Love-
Amy Diggs
Amy Diggs <diggsley@yahoo.com>
Overland Park, KS - Friday, December 16, 2005 7:59 AM CST

I still continue to think of your family and pray for you. I pray for your peace today, and throughout the Christmas season. I miss your son's beautiful smile and glowing heart.
Love always,
Laura Locke <llocke@hotmail.com>
Hannibal, MO USA - Friday, December 16, 2005 4:18 AM CST

Hi Sara,
Glad to hear everything is right on course with your training. I am so impressed with you and Bill for doing this. I hope you are filled with peace this next week. I will be thinking of you and sending you good thoughts. I hope you find strength through your family and friends.Your are on my mind often. Take care and we'll talk soon.
Love,
Sherri

Sherri Weeks and familiy <the4weeks@comcast. net >
- Wednesday, December 14, 2005 7:31 PM CST

Hey Marions!
Way to go and good luck training for your marathon. It sounds like you have a fabulous cheering section raising over your goal amount. We think of you so very often and will add Hannah and Ryan to our prayers. :)

Sherri Watson <swatson@hntb.com>
Olathe, KS - Monday, November 28, 2005 11:24 PM CST

Good job on the marathons!
I bought "Pat the movie" and watch it often, it is still a hillarious movie!
I just wrote a "character sketch" for advanced english, and i wrote a sketch about Zach, it brought back some good memories.
I hope you had a good thanksgiving
Always,
Ryan
Ryan Knight <RKShorty22@aol.com>
- Monday, November 28, 2005 6:38 PM CST

Hi Marions,
Just checking to see how the training is going. We applaud you and congratulations on being near your goal. We'll be thinking of you. Zach is on my mind a lot too. He was such a great kid. He and Jack were my Frick and Frack. They were always willing to help. I often called them out of "after school" to help me hang things that required ladders, climbing and young knees. We enjoyed those afternoons and laughed a lot. I got the tasks accomplished and they got a diversion and candy. Worked well for all of us! Zach always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. I don't ever remember him being anything but pleasant. He was shy and didn't relish attention directed his way, but always handled it in a gracious way. I also enjoyed seeing Zach and Bill perform at Knox in the Easter Performances. Those are the memories that come to mind right now. I know you miss him terribly and he you. God bless each of you. Love, Mrs. "K"
Jan Keirsey <kjkeirsey@cox.net>
Bella Vista, AR - Sunday, November 27, 2005 7:30 PM CST

Happy Thanksgiving Sara and Bill: You remain in our thoughts and prayers, and I give thanks today for having had the honor of knowing Zach when we all lived up on 4H last year. Lauren's good health continues, and we have since moved to Oregon in order to really live life to the fullest each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you train for your marathon...much strength to you!
Tracey, Brian, Lauren and Elise Meara <btmeara@comcast.net>
Corvallis, OR - Thursday, November 24, 2005 10:28 PM CST

Hi guys,

I was reviewing my "favorites" list and thought I would click on your website. I had no idea you were still updating it. What a great idea! I am so excited and proud of you both for training for the marathon. I think I saw that I can make a donation from the website. I will do that. It has been so great seeing more of you. Good luck with the marathon. God bless you
Kathleen Miller <skmiller@everestkc.net>
- Tuesday, November 22, 2005 9:50 PM CST

I followed Zach�s progress via the Caring Bridge website. I was so sorry to hear the news that he had passed away. I did not know him, but it is a sad thing to lose a human being, especially a child. I was at the funeral and the turn out was unbelievable. It shows how many people care. I have always tried to find something positive even during the hardest times and sometimes that it very hard to do. It may even take years to come to some sort of peace.

I want to tell you:
The grief that we experience during death is not for the person that has passed on. We grieve because we want that person on this earth with us. Zach is not feeling any pain any more. Feel good that the memories that he keeps with him are positive and full of love, instead of pain and anguish. He is now waiting for everyone that he held dear, to join him one day and feel all of the love and peace that he is now experiencing. He is always with you. Love is the bond. Even though we already know this, it is still hard to accept. It is hard for me to write this letter without tears. We are human, but I think that we are all connected by love.

I was glad to hear about your dream. Believe that your experience was not just a dream. You may experience these a few more times during your lifetime. I have had a few vivid dreams and many spiritual experiences. This has been since I was a young child. Pay attention, he may letting you know that he is still around. I believe that death (in the sense that we know it) is just another rebirth to another level of learning and experiences. I believe that we are on this earth to learn and every person that we meet we have something to learn from them.

Think about what you learned from Zach.

Sara's co-worker
- Tuesday, November 22, 2005 1:59 PM CST

Sara, Bill, and Nathan -

You guys are the hardest people to reach!! I have not been able to get in touch with you since you sent us the info on your marathon. Anyway, just got caught up with your training progress - wow!! You guys are running fools. I can't wait to hear how the 18 mile run went. Tyson and I are looking at cheering you on in sunny FL for the marathon. It will be exciting to actually know somebody running! Keep up the excellent training and will continue to try and reach you on the phone. Love, Shelley & Tyson (Dottie and Peaches too)
Shelley & Tyson <shelley.thomas@wachovia.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 8:06 AM CST

hello marions...
I was just looking at some of the pictures that you posted and i realized that my next door neighbor at my dads was one of the nurses, so i will have to ask her if she remembers zach.
I think of Zach every day, and I can just imagine how much funner some of my classes would have been with Zach's humor.
Congratulations on your marathons!
Always, Ryan Knight

Ryan Knight <RKShorty22@aol.com>
Overland Park, Kansas United States - Monday, November 7, 2005 7:19 PM CST

Bill and Sara,
I am very sorry to hear about Zach's passing from leukemia. He is a good looking guy. I lost my brother in a car accident when he was 22 years old. I read Sara's story about the dream. I understand as I miss my brother also. I do know he is "with me" at times, would want me to keep going on and living my life to the fullest. I know that some day we will all be together again. God Bless you all and best wishes to you during the difficult moments.
Kevin Kubik, JHS-Class of 1973 and Bill's wrestling friend
Kevin Kubik <bondsbykev@msn.com>
- Sunday, November 6, 2005 5:03 PM CST

Hey Marions, Had to go to Mom and Dads for Trick or Treat. That darn door. Couldn't hide...not to mention all the extra I would buy..... I couldn't pass out candy because I might fall.About covering up that front door window,Kathy Lippold thought of the paint they put on cars when for sale, or homecomming or sport events.It just washes off. Duh! Zach would have thought of that in about 2 seconds.
ps Mom's still doing my laundry

sue <sthomasz@sbcglobal.net>
lansing, ks - Tuesday, November 1, 2005 4:36 PM CST

Bill & Sara,
Just the other day I was wearing my badge at work when one of the kids asked me what the F. was in my last name. I immediatly thought of Zach. He had asked me that same question one night when I was his nurse. When I wouldn't tell him he decided to make one up, Fincklestien!!!! I told the kids who had asked that it was Fincklestien and they all laughed. *** I was so glad to see you updated the website. Not a day goes by that I don't remember that beautiful smile of your sweet little boy. Please know that my prayers are with you and I wish you the best of luck in the marathon. All my love and prayers, Jenna
Jenna Frick <jennafrick@hotmail.com>
Lyons, CO - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 3:05 PM CDT

Sara, Bill and Nathan,
I am so glad that you updated your page! I think of your family and Zach often. Especially now that it is Halloween time. I think that I took care of him that entire weekend. How many costumes did he have? One per day for the entire week of Halloween? My favorite would have to be the "girl" costume. I remember how offended he was when I called him a drag queen and he made sure to tell me that he did still, in fact, like girls and not boys! And how embarrassed he was when I brought the entire night shift out to take a picture with him in his costume.
It is so wonderful to hear from you and I am so proud of you for doing the marathon! I hope to see you all soon!
Megan
Megan <meganlynchrn@yahoo.com>
Kansas City, Mo - Sunday, October 23, 2005 0:15 AM CDT

hey marions, well i thought i would say hi because i havent seen you guys in a while! Well i just wanted to let you know that Zach is in my thoughts everday and that i just picture him up there in heaven with his awsome sense of humor. Well thats all i wanted to let you guys no!

Sincerely, Tim Rodden
Tim Rodden <bosox1407@yahoo.com>
kansas, city, ks U.S. - Friday, October 21, 2005 5:04 PM CDT

Sara,
I am so inspired by you. You are helping Hannah by helping me. You are surrounded by prayers and thoughts every day. I was thinking about your butterfly release and how you think of Zach when you see a butterfly and it reminded me of a butterfly I saw during one of Hannah's difficult surgeries. It was flying around the window in the Ronald McDonald room which only has roof and air conditioners around it. It kept flying by and it gave me such a feeling of peace. I told Bob that the butterfly just made me feel like Hannah was going to be okay. Maybe Zach wanted to give me a message because he knows something we don't. I am grateful for our friendship. Prayers for strength and peace,
Love,
DeeJo
DeeJo Miller <deejo_222@yahoo.com>
Gardner, ks - Thursday, October 20, 2005 11:59 PM CDT

Hi there Marion's,
Boy, have you been busy! Well done with all the training. James and Alex ran on the SMS cross-country team this fall and I have total respect for those who run. As for those who actually finish a race, they all deserve a medal or their heads examined. That training kicks bootee, but you can be sure that Zach is with you every step of the way, cheering you on, just like the 'Little Engine That Could'
Ta ra for now
Lin :)
The Fennell's <fennells@sbcglobal.net>
OP, KS USA - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 1:34 PM CDT

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