A poem for Zach, From his Daddy

There is no greater joy than watching your child growing up
No greater pride than in seeing him turn into a man
No greater sorrow than in letting him go

We seemed to rush through life hurrying to get you here or there
Then try to stop time when we realize that goodbye is close

We will look at the many pictures, with love
Sort through the many keep forever items and smile
Watch the many home movies and cry

You are off to make your own path in life
To make lasting memories
To have new adventures

Just remember that YOU are OUR great adventure
Our lasting memory
And though you leave to start your new life
Know that you'll be in our hearts and thoughts
Until we see you again.

Good luck to you
Zachary Ryan
Our Boy
Our Son

Love Dad

Zach's Going Away Party

It was a great party with lots of great friends. A nice send off for a great young man.

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow...I say goodbye to my baby boy,
and hello to a new young man

Tomorrow... I watch him move to a new phase of life
and leave the protection and comfort of home

Tomorrow... while my Mother heart cries
it will also swell with pride

Tomorrow... he spreads his wings and flies...

Soccer with my Boy

Ive spent a great deal of time lately reminiscing about when Zach was little... but I dont want anyone thinking that Im not making the most of the time NOW. Here we are BEFORE our last night playing on the same soccer team... and AFTER winning the CHAMPIONSHIP!! I tell you this, it was so very cool to win that championship last year - my first one ever... but THIS tops even THAT!! We share an incredible memory and Fred, Jenna AND Tia were all there to watch!!

My little Devil...

Yep... one of my favorite baby photos of Zach. It completely captures his essence... even back then he was a ham. Stick a camera in his face and you would get a smile.

This sweet baby had a heart of gold even back then.

It will be pictures like this that I will spend time looking at while he is away. And know that while he was a sweet angel of a baby... hes an even finer young man.

Happy 19th Anniversary Fred!

You are the worlds greatest husband and I love you more than life! Heres to AT LEAST 19 more!!

Happy 4th of July!