Life by the Word

Page 32 Cloisterette 2008 Yearbook   


You could see them coming from a mile a way. You could hear the cheers begin as they entered the infield of the Ephrata H.S. Football field, that warm and windy summer night. A sea of Purple and Gold encompassed the surroundings with an energy that was so explosive it brought this 44 year old man to tears, bittersweet tears. You know the one's, Mom and Dad. The one's that make you fill up with joy and sorrow at the same time. No one can explain what they are and I am sure there are a few of you that might not understand what I am trying to convey here. But for those who do know it is a place that happens far and few between in our lives. It is Graduation day both for parent and student. For me it was so special. My first son Zachary Thomas Petrecca was finally graduating. All the years, all the fights, all the parental threats and coaching to try and make him do his best finally came to fruition. My son was graduating but it felt that warm summer night that I was graduating too. As the night went on I glanced into the class brochure that listed all the names of the students that were leaving High School that night, I couldn't help but notice a dedication. It was to a student named Zachary Mellinger who was supposed to graduate with his class this summer night but was killed in an accident two weeks before his Senior year began on August 16, 2007.  I felt my heart tug a little. For a moment I wondered if his parents were here, and if they were going to be allowed to say a couple of words to their sons left behind friends and classmates. I wondered if any one in the Ephrata Senior Class remembered him that windy night. I never met the kid. And I guess when the tragedy happened I didn't read about it in the paper.  All I know is that his name was Zachary, like my sons. But un-like my Zach, he wasn't here tonight to celebrate this great time and event. I wanted to go up and find his parents and tell them that I hurt for them. I wanted someone to say something at the podium. Even just a sentence, that would remind all the people of this fallen child. But as time went on it was apparent that this was not going to be the case. And even though I never met this young man I still felt a little hollow in my belly for his parents and the world he left behind. I wondered if he was saved, having trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  Why couldn't the valedictorian or someone in the school make a little speech, and tell us all there that night a little about what this young man had loved. I wanted to know so desperately if he knew Christ. The moment was right for it to happen. The time, well at least I thought, would have been politically correct. Once again, I had to submit to God’s will in a situation, and trust that He knew better.  When the ceremony was over I ran into my son's arms and told him I loved him. It was a moment I will not ever forget. Four months have passed since that time and I just received the Cloisterette 2008 Yearbook. I noticed all the places where my son’s name or picture appeared. I also tracked down where my daughter Cole was pictured with the sophomores. And I was just about to put the yearbook down when I came across page 32. It read, as follows, along with a picture of a young 17 year old kid. "In loving memory of Zachary Mellinger" Over the next page or so there were photos of this young man, along with writings that he penned before he passed away. Here is one of them"   From October 3 , 2005 a writing from Zach Mellinger called "If I had three years to live." You believe that title, amazing. He writes "I would tell my family and friends that I love them and that I am watching over them. I would thank my friends for all the good times we have had. If I had a girlfriend, I would tell her that I love her and that everything is going to be okay. I would want others to say nothing but good things about me. I would want them to remember me as an honest hard worker who was there for them when they needed me. I would want them to remember, Zach continues, that I never turned my back on them and that I love Jesus. I love my family and I love my car." Did you hear that? He loved Jesus, and proclaimed it with no apology. I felt a little better after reading that line. I know there is not much solace to be taken in a teenager’s death, but it felt a little better knowing that he was with God and that his parents would one day see their child again. I cried the night that I read that. A mixture of joy and sadness, you might say. And then I began to write this chapter dedicating it to Zach and his family. My heart today is grateful, to you oh Lord, for so many things. I am so grateful that you had a relationship with this young man and that he is yours for eternity. My prayer is that he is remembered by everyone who reads this chapter. My prayer is that his death in this life glorifies you, oh God. Oh by the way, it is also mentioned on Page 32 of the Cloisterette that Zach Mellinger's favorite scripture was "Romans 8:28 one of mine as well. It states: " All things work together for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose." I am so glad that I got to see what you looked like, Zach Mellinger. I am sure you were a good classmate to my son and to the others who represented the Ephrata Senior Class of 2008.  You touched my heart and I write this for you as a remembrance. A remembrance of your brief life. A remembrance for the Class of 2008. A remembrance for your friends and family who truly loved you and still miss you today. But most of all, out of remembrance of three words that  you specifically wrote and left behind for all of us to cherish and find comfort in. “I Love Jesus”.   Goodbye Zach, for now. I have to believe that when you see your family again in Heaven that it will be a Glorious day of reunion. Until then, and forever more, all glory be to God.

Al

Chapter 11