We were blown away by the support for Zach at the Chick-fil-A fundraiser Tuesday night. A huge thank you to my friend Kelly Bueno for spearheading this entire operation! She was instrumental in organizing everything. Brad and Amy Miles generously opened their restaurant and were prepared for the craziness! Brad told me the place hadn't been that packed since opening day last year. When we arrived at 5:15 the drive-thru was filled with cars and the lines inside were long, but no one seemed to mind. It was such a joy to see old friends and meet new ones. We saw friends from high school, colleagues, family, our church family, strangers who came to support Zach and poor unsuspecting strangers who probably wondered why CFA was so busy on a Tuesday night. The only person who didn't have a fantastic time was our 2-year old Oliver. Poor guy was just overwhelmed and exhausted. My wonderful in-laws Mark and Wendy took both boys home early so Zach and I could meet and greet as many people as possible. My mom also helped us greet and even spent time walking up to cars in the drive-thru.
It wasn't a particularly late night but I woke up the following morning with a "Chick-fil-A hangover." It wasn't anything that an extra few hours of sleep couldn't cure--but the boys didn't allow that to happen. We all moved too slow and were 45 minutes late to Bible study. So glad I went though because I'm pretty sure Beth Moore's lesson was just for me. After studying both Abraham's obedience towards God, and his willingness to sacrifice his only son if God commanded it, these 2 points stayed with me all day:
1. Obedience is not the hardest part of our most trying tests. Keeping the faith can be the hardest of all.
2. Our hardest tests involve our dearest loves.
Karen and Jane greeted customers!
Mandie, Virginia, Erin, Karen and Kelly helped make the fundraiser possible by cleaning, greeting and smiling :)
CFA owners, Brad and Amy Miles, and their son Aiden with Zach.
Zach and his student Zac from Eagle High School.
Leilani and Diana brought out orders and helped out in any way possible. Diana came in for dinner but saw there was a need for more volunteers so she jumped right in.
Zach's mom Kris and Aunt Kellie with Max.
Aunt Kellie and Mr. Max
A packed house!
My brother Mitch, my mom Kathi and me.
My bible study leader Stacy and her beautiful grandson. Those curls!!!!
Zach, his sister Jessica, and her son Lucas.
Zach and a few of his favorites--Rocky basketball players
Zach and more of his favorite--his basketball team.
The next few pictures and video are from Oliver's birthday celebration last week. It definitely wasn't a Pinterest-worthy celebration. In fact Oliver's "cake" was a delicious banana cream pie for Zach from our thoughtful neighbors.
This adorable little boy loves puppies, the garbage man, and throwing away trash.
Oliver and his Grandma Kris snuggling before bedtime.
Video: Oliver enjoying his banana cream pie! Not a cake mess fest like last year but still a memorable night.
Video: Oliver enjoying his banana cream pie! Not a cake mess fest like last year but still a memorable night.
I tried to say hi, but you had more fans around than Michael Jordan! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis absolutely warms my heart to see the love and support you have received, at no surprise though. Zach is a great man, teacher and friend, touching so many lives. We moved out of state a year ago so have to watch thru your blog. We were part of the original Rocky family, with our first year at Eagle. Zach made a big impression on our son Chase thru football and basketball and baseball. I also had the privilege becoming his friend. Thank you!! We are thinking about your family and praying for a strong battle to win this. Good luck and God bless you with strength thru this. We believe in you.
ReplyDeleteJolyn Place