About Zac:

Zac is the oldest of our three boys. He was a sweet, happy child who loved all sports, the lake, swimming, knee boarding, snow skiing, and most of all he loved playing baseball! Zac was loved and adored by our family. He was the first grandchild on John’s side of the family, and the first grandchild on my side of the family in 16 years. 
Zac played baseball through his senior year in high school. He played his heart out at 2nd base and shortstop. He went to Auburn after he finished high school then joined the Marine Corps. He graduated from Parris Island in 2017. He graduated as the High Shooter out of 537 recruits. Zac was humble and never even told us he had earned this award. We didn’t know until one of the drill instructors told us we would be sitting in the honor guard section at graduation the next day. Zac’s first duty station was in California at Camp Pendleton after 3 months of training at 29 Palms. He was deployed on the USS Boxer for 9 months in 2019. He was an active-duty Marine when he died on Dec 2, 2021. He was a Sergeant and ran the Hathcock firing range at Miramar, a Marine’s dream job. His Marine brothers still reach out to us often. 

Zac was a believer. He made a profession of faith when he was 5 years old and was baptized. He went to Discipleship Now weekend retreats, summer youth camps, choir tours, and was very active in our church youth group. He rededicated his life to the Lord at a D-Now weekend when he was 15 and asked his youth pastor to baptize him again as an outward symbol of his renewed commitment.

Scripture that encouraged us:

Zac’s favorite Scripture was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He put this verse inside the brim of all his baseball caps. This Scripture has helped me get out of bed on the hardest days. 
We are a living testimony to the truth of Psalm 34:18. “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We are able to walk this road with the hope and promise of Heaven.

How we’ve seen God’s faithfulness:

The Lord has walked every step of this journey with us. We’ve been through a lot in the wake of Zac’s death, and are still going through the military formalities with a casualty officer. On my lowest days, I have felt the Lord’s presence in a very real and tangible way. As devastating as Zac’s death has been, I praise God for Zac’s salvation. I know that I have an eternal future waiting for me with my Lord and my son. Until that day we will lean into the Lord and purpose to live well while we wait.