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Monday
The Oreo
36 comments:
Anonymous
said...
This is one of my favorite memories of Zach. He loved to just sit on my lap at my computer and just go crazy on the keyboard. And of course, I have the pictures (and a video clip) to prove it!
I did not get to see him too often, but when he did come in the office at DenHartog Industries--it just seemed like he put a smile on everybodies face--especially grandpa's.
His first Christmas at Great-Grandma and Grandpa Den Hartog's and him sitting on the floor with Joe playing with his new toy that had all sorts of balls and all he did was look at us and smile. He had the most awesome smile, it was contagious and you wanted to smile with him all the time.
I remember last January when you and Matt and Zach came to our house for dinner. Tyler and Zach had so much fun playing together! I have a picture of them from that evening - it's one of my favorites. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today... Love, Diane, Dave, Tyler & Tessa
We were at Matt/Jantina's playing spades. We were eating pizza while we were playing. Zach decided he should also have pizza. Most of the pizza was on his face instead of in his mouth but he didn't care as he displayed his famous smile and trademark laugh.
One day Zach and Grandpa were walking down the hall of our office. They paused and Zach gave me one of his great giggly, contagious grins. Then, he snuggled down into Grandpa's chest. The love between them in that moment was amazing and touched my heart. Zach could sure bring a lot of happy energy to our workplace.
One of my favorite memories of Zach is when we were at (great-)Grandpa & (great-)Grandma DenHartogs house for Mother's day. Aiden and Zach were together and got lots of love from everyone who was there. I have a picture of Jean holding the two boys and big happy tears are streaming down her face.
The next memory I will always have is at John & Jean's old lake house...Greg was playing peekaboo on the floor with Zach and Zach got the biggest smile on his face! I've never seen a little boy smile so big!!!
My (Great Grandma) most favorite memory is our Family Christmas Party at our home and Grandma Jean, sitting on the piano bench, had him on her lap and looking at "his" ornament on our tree. He was so excited. We all enjoyed that special day with him, his first Christmas. Great Grandpa liked to hold him on his lap and Zach was willing to have him do that so his favorite memory is rocking him and how content he was to just take it all in. We praise God for all the precious memories and having "no regrets" as he blessed us all just by being there. Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Den Hartog
My memory of your beautiful red head boy is how he looked in the blue DenHartog T Shirt and that great big smile he gave us as Grandpa John carried him through the office.
My heart breaks for you but I also celebrate the beautiful life Zach lived.
He was the happiest little guy I've ever seen. Always had a smile. I've told you this before, but I always remember picking Emma up from the nursery after you picked Zach up. The workers always said how wonderful Zach was and how much fun he was to have in the nursery. He made everyone around him smile. My other favorite memory of Zach was at his dedication. I can still see him smiling up there. I don't think any one in the crowd heard what Pastor was saying because we were too enthralled with Zach. His legacy has been an inspiration to live life to the fullest, as he did. He's also taught us to treat each day as a gift.
Our prayers surround you and your family. Your amazing strength is so inspiring and I just pray that God will hold you close and fill you with His peace.
I didn’t know Zach very well, but I always remember him as having a big smile on his face. I remember sitting behind you in a service and how he just smiled all through the service with his little teeth showing and that beautiful red hair. As you have said before you can never replace them, but I know that Halleah must bring you much joy. She too is a beautiful child.
One memory that stays fresh in my head is when he would ignore his mom completely. . . Jantina came home all excited because Zach would supposedly giggle while Jantina jumped around doing her head and shoulder knees and toes routine. I still don't think Jan admits that Zach wasn't laughing at the fact that she could touch her knees - I like to believe he was laughing at the fact that Jan thought he was so cute giggling at her - she looked hilariously silly when she sang that song - you would laugh at her too!
Another memory that I will cherish is when I was able to teach Zach that playing in sand on the beach in Mexico is fun! Not only does it upset his mother, but also he was so infatuated with it. I also will never forget the look of determination on his face as he ran towards the ocean. Jantina would try to steer him the other way, but he had that ‘vroom vroom’ look and he was ready to walk in the water.
I love that Zach would allow me to cuddle with him. His parents always would act upset, but tough! His last visit to Hospers Zach did not want to sleep if it meant not being held. I didn’t object and still wouldn’t, when Grandma said can he just lay by you for a while. Lay by me he did! That little bed hog! He took up most of my queen size bed, sure he was no longer than 2 ½ feet, but wow, he knew how to stretch out!
The last memory that I really cherish is Zach himself. I cannot wait until the day comes that My Father in Heaven takes me home and I get to see my lucky nephew! Lucky – yes! He is in a wonderful place where concerns and worries don’t exist! All though I will argue that he was taken too soon, I know that it is in God’s hands and my grumbling won’t change a thing.
One of my favorite memories of Zach, is when he had his first oreo cookie, and he was eating it like don't let my mom see me doing this. His whole face was covered with chocolate, his two little hands were wrapped around the cookie and he would just smile.
I miss my cute little grandson, but am also so very thankful for the time I had with him. Even though it was short, my memories of Zach will be with me forever.
Proud of my family, you are such a blessing to me. Love you!!
One of my favorite memories is when mom had Zach and wanted to check for teeth and Zach bit down on her finger really hard. Jantina had tears in her eyes, as I guess she found out that he had teeth...of course, Zach just turned to me and smiled....very, very cute!!
One of my favorite memories of Zach was at Christine's bridal shower in Hospers. I was holding Micah on my lap, and Jantina was holding Zach. The two boys just kind of reached out and touched each other's hands, and smiled at each other. I'll never ever forget that precious smile of Zach's. I always tell Micah that he has a cousin up in Heaven who loves him very much. We love you, Zach!
Much love, Molly
My favorite memory of Zach was when he was only a couple of months old. He and Micah were laying on a baby einstein play mat at the lakes, and they were both having so much fun kicking and giggling together. He always brought so much joy to the room, even at such a young age.
I am going to side with a couple other people that have already commented. I loved Zach's smile - it was beautiful. He really could light up the room! There was not 1 picture that Grandpa John sent throught the office that did not show that smile. I also remember the book Jeanne made up of your trip to Mexico - the oreo cookie picture is a classic photo. He really did have the "don"t tell Mom" look on his face.
This is a beautiful tribute to your son -- thanks for letting others share with you.
I was lucky enough to be able to have the chance to hold Zach at John and Jeanne's. Even at that baby stage he had the great smile. I remember a couple of us grandpa's talking grandsons alot. I also remember how a family stuck togather and supported each other in their time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. As we all remember Zach. Jon
I've been thinking about February 20 for a few days now. I was thinking back to seeing Zach for the first time, seeing his face glow as he smiled at nearly everyone around him! His red hair, his round face, his grin.....what a little guy! I was thinking about Halleah and how he might tower over his petite little sister, protecting her from other kids in the nursery, watching over her at home, giving her a thing or two to holler about. It brings a smile to my face remembering Zach. I look forward to the day I will see him again.
As always, our prayers and thoughts are with you. We love you!
One of my first memories of zach was at a capital campaign event for our church. Jantina let me carry him around and I remember thinking how fun it was to carry such a loving and cuddly little boy! And his smile- so amazing. Everyone thought he was so cute! Another memory I have is of an evening ryan and I spent with matt and Jantina at their home. We had dinner and played a game and the whole time zach just sat in his chair and smiled and was such a good boy. He was so happy! My heart aches to think of the loss matt and Jantina and their families have experienced now that we have a son of our own. I know that god has pulled them through this first tough year like nobody else could. We love you matt and Jantina and you are in our prayers. We love your beautiful new little girl, halleah and can’t wait to see her and her future siblings grow up!!
Of course my first memory of Zach is when we got to meet him after he was just a couple of hours old. I have often marveled at the timing, and how special it was that we were able to be at the hospital so shortly after he was born. I remember thinking as I held him, how each baby is made so differently.......and how wonderful it felt holding each of them in my arms. At that point I still couldn't believe that all of us were actually grandparents, and that these little cousins arrived into the world within the same week. Another picture that is in my mind whenever I remember Zach, is one time when he was in Hospers visiting his Grandpa and Grandma. I stopped in to say hi and see Zach, and there he was in that bouncy thing, jumping his little heart out and grinning from ear to ear as big as he could. Just like many other people have shared, I to will always remember that smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes. We hope that this is a good day of remembering for you.
I remember the first time that Greg picked Zach up from napping. He did it with such confidence and ease. I am still amazed at the man my "little" brother is growing up into and when I look back being an uncle was the beginning of that transformation - at least in my mind.
The memory of Zach that will always be with me is from a time when Nick and I stayed with them in Des Moines. The 5 of us went out for supper at the Cheesecake Factory, Zach was only about 7 months old, but ate two whole jars of baby food! Not the little jars, the big ones! I have never seen a 7 month old eat that much in one sitting, or smile so big with strained green beans coming out of his mouth...the thought of it always makes me laugh
One of my favorite memories of Zach was holding him on my couch in the morning as we watched Dora The Exploror. You could tell he wasn't all that comfortable because I was 6 months pregnant with my daughter. Everytime he would sit on my lap she would kick like crazy, hitting him right in the back. He never seemed to care because Dora was on.
Another memory was one day around naptime. For some reason this day he didn't want to go to sleep. My husband (Brandon) came home from the night shift and said he would go in a lay on our bed with him. After awhile I began to worry because my husband didn't come to tell me Zack had fallin' asleep but they were both quite. I went in the room to find them both fast asleep. Later Brandon said he had no chioice but to fall asleep because Zach kept playing with his nose, face, and hair. Zach loved his hair because it is so fuzzy.
Kyla doesn't know it yet but she is so fortunate to have meet you, even if it was only once.
Loving you always, Brandon, Kristina, and Kyla Owen
As I read all of these great memories I am reminded of more of my own favorites! I heard that my dad didn't have just one but many good memories - who says we can't share them all; right?
I remember when Kyla was just about 6 weeks old. I baby sat her for the first time while Kristina and Brandon went out for dinner. Every single time I picked up Kyla Zach would scream - literally scream! I ended up resolving the situation by putting Kyla in our bouncer chair (the one Zach loved and that Halleah loves right now!)
Anyway, Zach stood at the front of the chair just looking at Kyla. He couldn't believe she moved much less that she was in HIS chair! He then proceeded to sit on the floor and play with me but every time Kyla made a sound he would grab my leg with this intensity as if to say "she's my mommy stay away!"
I had a memeory of Zach just a couple of weeks ago. Jeanne and I were talking about speech contests and I remembered seeing him on grandma's lap at a contest in Spencer last year. He was just being Zach smiling and giggling and taking it all in. I don't think I ever saw him any other way!
My most vivid memory of Zach is of the night of the tornado that hit Den Hartog Industries. We were there and Grandma Jeanne came with Zach in his carseat. When I went to talk to him he had this big smile and those big luminous brown eyes. I can just see them in my mind yet. He always had that big beautiful smile, whether at church or going for a walk with Grandma.
My memories of Zach come from the times he visited Den Hartog Industries. It was just amazing how everyone gathered at the front desk to see this special little boy. Absolutely no work was getting done and Grandpa was okay with that! Zach put smiles on so many faces.
My prayer for you and your family is that you have health, happiness and continued healing.
When Zach was born, I went to Des Moines to see/spoil him. He was crying one time, and Jantina looked at me and says "mom, he doesn't know if he's crying because he is happy or sad, it is my job to teach him that."
I read these wonderful comments tonight, and I cry. Not only of sadness, but happiness too. Not only did Jantina teach Zach that it is okay to cry, she taught me something too. Tears are okay. We are all blessed to have had Zach in our lives. Praise God for his many blessings! love mom/grandma Jeanne
Even though I did not have the chance to be around Zach like I would have liked to have been, I know from pictures and the joy you all have talking about him he was truly a blessed little boy. I now know that losing a child is by far the hardest thing that can possibly happen, but knowing that they are indeed in a better place comforts us all. You are all in my prayers.
I'll never forget how much joy Zach brought to a room. As others have said, his smile truly was contagious. I remember when he was dedicated – we were all so transfixed by his big smile! Thank you for including us as you celebrate his life. As always our prayers are with you and your family. Megan, Isaiah & Elisha
along with billie's story when the tornado hit DHI, i remember the phone ringing and im not sure who all called to tell us that the shop had just been hit by a tornado. Matt was on the couch feeding Zach in his car seat and when we left to go to the shop matt stayed home with Zach buckled him in the car seat and went into the basement as if the car seat was going to anchor him down to something. Zach had a very strange father at the time.
I remember when Allison and I went down to Des Moines and Julie wanted us to take as many pictures of Zach as we could. We were sitting in Matt and Jantina's living room while Zach was playing and he would have the biggest smile on his face until he would look at the camera. Once he saw us trying to take a picture of him he would have a blank stare. We only got a few good smiles but they were great pictures. God bless you guys!
One of my best memories of Zach happened on the day that Megan and Scott were getting married. All of us, including you, were doing our best to make a beautiful wedding for them. Since it was such a hot summmer day Great Grandma Mabel, and Aunt Kay decided to hang out in the upstairs of the home overlooking the garden. You brought Zach upstairs so you could continue to help with the preparations going on downstairs. What a joy it was to see four generations all in one room together. So many others were sneaking up the stairs to greet each other, take pictures, and of course, see beautiful Zach sleeping so peacefully. Suddenly, I heard someone cry, "Jantina, Zach is crying for you." With the speed of Eagles's wings you flew past me, and up the stairs to rescue your sweet baby who even at the age of two months was missing you!!!
I'm sure I am not telling this as well as Dee told me but one of Grandma Dee's favorite memories is of the first time Zach smiled at her. He was still pretty little and he was laying on the couch next to her. She had started rubbing his foot and he just smiled like 'hey, this is kind of fun.'
Memories/thoughts In church Sunday morning, Deanne was playing the organ for Communion and used the chimes for "were you there when they crucified my Lord" Zach loved our church organ. His big eyes would scan the Sanctuary for where that sound was coming from. He loved music. He loved noise. He loved life. We closed with the service singing the words that are engraved on the back of Zach's tombstone. This song continues to remind me of the joy I had with him here and now have knowing that he is in Heaven in perfect peace. Monday morning I read "Don't forget what God has done for you" The timing was right as I was also wondering what the day/week would bring, however, when I read how Matt and Jantina still have a Faith strong enough to ask for memories that celebrate Zach's Life on his graduation to Heaven, it's obvious that God continues his many blessings. He has done many things for all of us. I'm so glad that we were brought up within this Faith. The feeling you get when you are "sure of things unseen" is comforting, as I always thought I had faith in God, but it took Zach for me to realize again the peace that you feel when you know that all things are in His control. All things will be okay. It's an awesome feeling! Then I have to thank God for a Faith that enables us to find comfort, in knowing that there is a perfect peace awaiting us and that someday I will be reunited with Zach. A Faith that allows us to celebrate Zach's life as we know he is in Heaven. I thank God for family that is there for support. Zach has brought my family to a closeness that I could never imagine. We have learned to talk to each other, laugh with each other, and cry together, sometimes all in the same moment. The power of belonging together and the power of being part of God's family is where we draw our strength. I can not imagine life being outside of this family and only hope that more people will come to realize what God can do for them. I thank God for Friends. Friends that are there to talk to us, to listen to us, but more importantly to just be there. People don't realize how easy it is, there doesn't have to be special words or moments, just knowing you are there and care is what it's all about.
My memory of Zach is a life lived to the fullest. Anywhere, everywhere. Zach could "light up" a room or "light up" a life. He never met anyone that he couldn't open his eyes to and smile. He made everyone he met smile back and of course make all kinds of funny faces, silly sounds, or actions. I think it was his purpose to make us all feel good by showing his unconditional love that he had for everyone. Zach lived life, but also made us all live life the way we should. Zach loved everyone much like we should love each other. As I read these memories, you can feel that love and he is still making us smile.
If being a Grandparent means that we may have double hurts, that's ok, because they are offset by multiple blessings that having children and Grandchildren bring.
The Oreo
36 comments:
This is one of my favorite memories of Zach. He loved to just sit on my lap at my computer and just go crazy on the keyboard. And of course, I have the pictures (and a video clip) to prove it!
I did not get to see him too often, but when he did come in the office at DenHartog Industries--it just seemed like he put a smile on everybodies face--especially grandpa's.
His first Christmas at Great-Grandma and Grandpa Den Hartog's and him sitting on the floor with Joe playing with his new toy that had all sorts of balls and all he did was look at us and smile. He had the most awesome smile, it was contagious and you wanted to smile with him all the time.
I remember last January when you and Matt and Zach came to our house for dinner. Tyler and Zach had so much fun playing together! I have a picture of them from that evening - it's one of my favorites. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today...
Love, Diane, Dave, Tyler & Tessa
We were at Matt/Jantina's playing spades. We were eating pizza while we were playing. Zach decided he should also have pizza. Most of the pizza was on his face instead of in his mouth but he didn't care as he displayed his famous smile and trademark laugh.
One day Zach and Grandpa were walking down the hall of our office. They paused and Zach gave me one of his great giggly, contagious grins. Then, he snuggled down into Grandpa's chest. The love between them in that moment was amazing and touched my heart. Zach could sure bring a lot of happy energy to our workplace.
One of my favorite memories of Zach is when we were at (great-)Grandpa & (great-)Grandma DenHartogs house for Mother's day. Aiden and Zach were together and got lots of love from everyone who was there. I have a picture of Jean holding the two boys and big happy tears are streaming down her face.
The next memory I will always have is at John & Jean's old lake house...Greg was playing peekaboo on the floor with Zach and Zach got the biggest smile on his face! I've never seen a little boy smile so big!!!
Love & prayers,
Elizabeth
My (Great Grandma) most favorite memory is our Family Christmas Party at our home and Grandma Jean, sitting on the piano bench, had him on her lap and looking at "his" ornament on our tree. He was so excited. We all enjoyed that special day with him, his first Christmas.
Great Grandpa liked to hold him on his lap and Zach was willing to have him do that so his favorite memory is rocking him and how content he was to just take it all in.
We praise God for all the precious memories and having "no regrets" as he blessed us all just by being there.
Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Den Hartog
My memory of your beautiful red head boy is how he looked in the blue DenHartog T Shirt and that great big smile he gave us as Grandpa John carried him through the office.
Barb Lemke
My heart breaks for you but I also celebrate the beautiful life Zach lived.
He was the happiest little guy I've ever seen. Always had a smile. I've told you this before, but I always remember picking Emma up from the nursery after you picked Zach up. The workers always said how wonderful Zach was and how much fun he was to have in the
nursery. He made everyone around him smile. My other favorite memory of Zach was at his dedication. I can still see him smiling up there. I don't think any one in the crowd heard what Pastor was saying because we
were too enthralled with Zach. His legacy has been an inspiration to live life to the fullest, as he did. He's also taught us to treat each day as a gift.
Our prayers surround you and your family. Your amazing strength is so inspiring and I just pray that God will hold you close and fill you with His peace.
Chuck and Becky
I didn’t know Zach very well, but I always remember him as having a big smile on his face. I remember sitting behind you in a service and how he just smiled all through the service with his little teeth showing and that beautiful red hair. As you have said before you can never replace them, but I know that Halleah must bring you much joy. She too is a beautiful child.
Judy Meline
One memory that stays fresh in my head is when he would ignore his mom completely. . . Jantina came home all excited because Zach would supposedly giggle while Jantina jumped around doing her head and shoulder knees and toes routine. I still don't think Jan admits that Zach wasn't laughing at the fact that she could touch her knees - I like to believe he was laughing at the fact that Jan thought he was so cute giggling at her - she looked hilariously silly when she sang that song - you would laugh at her too!
Another memory that I will cherish is when I was able to teach Zach that playing in sand on the beach in Mexico is fun! Not only does it upset his mother, but also he was so infatuated with it. I also will never forget the look of determination on his face as he ran towards the ocean. Jantina would try to steer him the other way, but he had that ‘vroom vroom’ look and he was ready to walk in the water.
I love that Zach would allow me to cuddle with him. His parents always would act upset, but tough! His last visit to Hospers Zach did not want to sleep if it meant not being held. I didn’t object and still wouldn’t, when Grandma said can he just lay by you for a while. Lay by me he did! That little bed hog! He took up most of my queen size bed, sure he was no longer than 2 ½ feet, but wow, he knew how to stretch out!
The last memory that I really cherish is Zach himself. I cannot wait until the day comes that My Father in Heaven takes me home and I get to see my lucky nephew! Lucky – yes! He is in a wonderful place where concerns and worries don’t exist! All though I will argue that he was taken too soon, I know that it is in God’s hands and my grumbling won’t change a thing.
In my heart forever!
Aunt Christine
One of my favorite memories of Zach, is when he had his first oreo cookie, and he was eating it like don't let my mom see me doing this. His whole face was covered with chocolate, his two little hands were wrapped around the cookie and he would just smile.
I miss my cute little grandson, but am also so very thankful for the time I had with him. Even though it was short, my memories of Zach will be with me forever.
Proud of my family, you are such a blessing to me. Love you!!
love mom Jeanne (grandma Jeanne)
One of my favorite memories is when mom had Zach and wanted to check for teeth and Zach bit down on her finger really hard. Jantina had tears in her eyes, as I guess she found out that he had teeth...of course, Zach just turned to me and smiled....very, very cute!!
One of my favorite memories of Zach was at Christine's bridal shower in Hospers. I was holding Micah on my lap, and Jantina was holding Zach. The two boys just kind of reached out and touched each other's hands, and smiled at each other. I'll never ever forget that precious smile of Zach's. I always tell Micah that he has a cousin up in Heaven who loves him very much. We love you, Zach!
Much love,
Molly
My favorite memory of Zach was when he was only a couple of months old. He and Micah were laying on a baby einstein play mat at the lakes, and they were both having so much fun kicking and giggling together. He always brought so much joy to the room, even at such a young age.
Love,
Tim
I am going to side with a couple other people that have already commented. I loved Zach's smile - it was beautiful. He really could light up the room! There was not 1 picture that Grandpa John sent throught the office that did not show that smile. I also remember the book Jeanne made up of your trip to Mexico - the oreo cookie picture is a classic photo. He really did have the "don"t tell Mom" look on his face.
This is a beautiful tribute to your son -- thanks for letting others share with you.
Kristin Konz
I was lucky enough to be able to have the chance to hold Zach at John and Jeanne's. Even at that baby stage he had the great smile.
I remember a couple of us grandpa's talking grandsons alot.
I also remember how a family stuck togather and supported each other in their time of need.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. As we all remember Zach.
Jon
I've been thinking about February 20 for a few days now. I was thinking back to seeing Zach for the first time, seeing his face glow as he smiled at nearly everyone around him! His red hair, his round face, his grin.....what a little guy! I was thinking about Halleah and how he might tower over his petite little sister, protecting her from other kids in the nursery, watching over her at home, giving her a thing or two to holler about. It brings a smile to my face remembering Zach. I look forward to the day I will see him again.
As always, our prayers and thoughts are with you. We love you!
Angie, Alex, Max, and Emi
One of my first memories of zach was at a capital campaign event for our church. Jantina let me carry him around and I remember thinking how fun it was to carry such a loving and cuddly little boy! And his smile- so amazing. Everyone thought he was so cute! Another memory I have is of an evening ryan and I spent with matt and Jantina at their home. We had dinner and played a game and the whole time zach just sat in his chair and smiled and was such a good boy. He was so happy! My heart aches to think of the loss matt and Jantina and their families have experienced now that we have a son of our own. I know that god has pulled them through this first tough year like nobody else could. We love you matt and Jantina and you are in our prayers. We love your beautiful new little girl, halleah and can’t wait to see her and her future siblings grow up!!
The levines
I remember when Grandma Jean decided to give Zach his first pretzel! Jantina wasnt around so she thought she'd give it a try. Zach loved it!
Of course my first memory of Zach is when we got to meet him after he was just a couple of hours old. I have often marveled at the timing, and how special it was that we were able to be at the hospital so shortly after he was born. I remember thinking as I held him, how each baby is made so differently.......and how wonderful it felt holding each of them in my arms. At that point I still couldn't believe that all of us were actually grandparents, and that these little cousins arrived into the world within the same week.
Another picture that is in my mind whenever I remember Zach, is one time when he was in Hospers visiting his Grandpa and Grandma. I stopped in to say hi and see Zach, and there he was in that bouncy thing, jumping his little heart out and grinning from ear to ear as big as he could. Just like many other people have shared, I to will always remember that smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes.
We hope that this is a good day of remembering for you.
Uncle Greg :-)
I remember the first time that Greg picked Zach up from napping. He did it with such confidence and ease. I am still amazed at the man my "little" brother is growing up into and when I look back being an uncle was the beginning of that transformation - at least in my mind.
The memory of Zach that will always be with me is from a time when Nick and I stayed with them in Des Moines. The 5 of us went out for supper at the Cheesecake Factory, Zach was only about 7 months old, but ate two whole jars of baby food! Not the little jars, the big ones! I have never seen a 7 month old eat that much in one sitting, or smile so big with strained green beans coming out of his mouth...the thought of it always makes me laugh
One of my favorite memories of Zach was holding him on my couch in the morning as we watched Dora The Exploror. You could tell he wasn't all that comfortable because I was 6 months pregnant with my daughter. Everytime he would sit on my lap she would kick like crazy, hitting him right in the back. He never seemed to care because Dora was on.
Another memory was one day around naptime. For some reason this day he didn't want to go to sleep. My husband (Brandon) came home from the night shift and said he would go in a lay on our bed with him. After awhile I began to worry because my husband didn't come to tell me Zack had fallin' asleep but they were both quite. I went in the room to find them both fast asleep. Later Brandon said he had no chioice but to fall asleep because Zach kept playing with his nose, face, and hair. Zach loved his hair because it is so fuzzy.
Kyla doesn't know it yet but she is so fortunate to have meet you, even if it was only once.
Loving you always,
Brandon, Kristina, and Kyla Owen
As I read all of these great memories I am reminded of more of my own favorites! I heard that my dad didn't have just one but many good memories - who says we can't share them all; right?
I remember when Kyla was just about 6 weeks old. I baby sat her for the first time while Kristina and Brandon went out for dinner. Every single time I picked up Kyla Zach would scream - literally scream! I ended up resolving the situation by putting Kyla in our bouncer chair (the one Zach loved and that Halleah loves right now!)
Anyway, Zach stood at the front of the chair just looking at Kyla. He couldn't believe she moved much less that she was in HIS chair! He then proceeded to sit on the floor and play with me but every time Kyla made a sound he would grab my leg with this intensity as if to say "she's my mommy stay away!"
I had a memeory of Zach just a couple of weeks ago. Jeanne and I were talking about speech contests and I remembered seeing him on grandma's lap at a contest in Spencer last year. He was just being Zach smiling and giggling and taking it all in. I don't think I ever saw him any other way!
My most vivid memory of Zach is of the night of the tornado that hit Den Hartog Industries. We were there and Grandma Jeanne came with Zach in his carseat. When I went to talk to him he had this big smile and those big luminous brown eyes. I can just see them in my mind yet. He always had that big beautiful smile, whether at church or going for a walk with Grandma.
Billie Muilenburg
My memories of Zach come from the times he visited Den Hartog Industries. It was just amazing how everyone gathered at the front desk to see this special little boy. Absolutely no work was getting done and Grandpa was okay with that! Zach put smiles on so many faces.
My prayer for you and your family is that you have health, happiness and continued healing.
When Zach was born, I went to Des Moines to see/spoil him. He was crying one time, and Jantina looked at me and says "mom, he doesn't know if he's crying because he is happy or sad, it is my job to teach him that."
I read these wonderful comments tonight, and I cry. Not only of sadness, but happiness too. Not only did Jantina teach Zach that it is okay to cry, she taught me something too. Tears are okay. We are all blessed to have had Zach in our lives. Praise God for his many blessings!
love mom/grandma Jeanne
Even though I did not have the chance to be around Zach like I would have liked to have been, I know from pictures and the joy you all have talking about him he was truly a blessed little boy. I now know that losing a child is by far the hardest thing that can possibly happen, but knowing that they are indeed in a better place comforts us all. You are all in my prayers.
Love, Rib
I'll never forget how much joy Zach brought to a room. As others have said, his smile truly was contagious. I remember when he was dedicated – we were all so transfixed by his big smile!
Thank you for including us as you celebrate his life. As always our prayers are with you and your family.
Megan, Isaiah & Elisha
along with billie's story when the tornado hit DHI, i remember the phone ringing and im not sure who all called to tell us that the shop had just been hit by a tornado. Matt was on the couch feeding Zach in his car seat and when we left to go to the shop matt stayed home with Zach buckled him in the car seat and went into the basement as if the car seat was going to anchor him down to something. Zach had a very strange father at the time.
I remember when Allison and I went down to Des Moines and Julie wanted us to take as many pictures of Zach as we could. We were sitting in Matt and Jantina's living room while Zach was playing and he would have the biggest smile on his face until he would look at the camera. Once he saw us trying to take a picture of him he would have a blank stare. We only got a few good smiles but they were great pictures. God bless you guys!
-Nick
One of my best memories of Zach happened on the day that Megan and Scott were getting married. All of us, including you, were doing our best to make a beautiful wedding for them. Since it was such a hot summmer day Great Grandma Mabel, and Aunt Kay decided to hang out in the upstairs of the home overlooking the garden. You brought Zach upstairs so you could continue to help with the preparations going on downstairs. What a joy it was to see four generations all in one room together. So many others were sneaking up the stairs to greet each other, take pictures, and of course, see beautiful Zach sleeping so peacefully. Suddenly, I heard someone cry, "Jantina, Zach is crying for you." With the speed of Eagles's wings you flew past me, and up the stairs to rescue your sweet baby who even at the age of two months was missing you!!!
Love, Connie Dheere
I'm sure I am not telling this as well as Dee told me but one of Grandma Dee's favorite memories is of the first time Zach smiled at her. He was still pretty little and he was laying on the couch next to her. She had started rubbing his foot and he just smiled like 'hey, this is kind of fun.'
Memories/thoughts
In church Sunday morning, Deanne was playing the organ for Communion and used the chimes for "were you there when they crucified my Lord" Zach loved our church organ. His big eyes would scan the Sanctuary for where that sound was coming from. He loved music. He loved noise. He loved life. We closed with the service singing the words that are engraved on the back of Zach's tombstone. This song continues to remind me of the joy I had with him here and now have knowing that he is in Heaven in perfect peace.
Monday morning I read "Don't forget what God has done for you" The timing was right as I was also wondering what the day/week would bring, however, when I read how Matt and Jantina still have a Faith strong enough to ask for memories that celebrate Zach's Life on his graduation to Heaven, it's obvious that God continues his many blessings. He has done many things for all of us. I'm so glad that we were brought up within this Faith. The feeling you get when you are "sure of things unseen" is comforting, as I always thought I had faith in God, but it took Zach for me to realize again the peace that you feel when you know that all things are in His control. All things will be okay. It's an awesome feeling!
Then I have to thank God for a Faith that enables us to find comfort, in knowing that there is a perfect peace awaiting us and that someday I will be reunited with Zach. A Faith that allows us to celebrate Zach's life as we know he is in Heaven. I thank God for family that is there for support. Zach has brought my family to a closeness that I could never imagine. We have learned to talk to each other, laugh with each other, and cry together, sometimes all in the same moment. The power of belonging together and the power of being part of God's family is where we draw our strength. I can not imagine life being outside of this family and only hope that more people will come to realize what God can do for them. I thank God for Friends. Friends that are there to talk to us, to listen to us, but more importantly to just be there. People don't realize how easy it is, there doesn't have to be special words or moments, just knowing you are there and care is what it's all about.
My memory of Zach is a life lived to the fullest. Anywhere, everywhere. Zach could "light up" a room or "light up" a life. He never met anyone that he couldn't open his eyes to and smile. He made everyone he met smile back and of course make all kinds of funny faces, silly sounds, or actions. I think it was his purpose to make us all feel good by showing his unconditional love that he had for everyone. Zach lived life, but also made us all live life the way we should. Zach loved everyone much like we should love each other. As I read these memories, you can feel that love and he is still making us smile.
If being a Grandparent means that we may have double hurts, that's ok, because they are offset by multiple blessings that having children and Grandchildren bring.
Forever,
Grandpa John
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