10 Days of Thanks...Day 2: Zach

      On January 4, 1996, I became a mommy for the second time. Zachary Don Romoser entered into our lives! His delivery was exciting!  My brother, Tim, had filmed Jake's birth. But, since he no longer lived in Shawnee, my dear friend, Shelley Wall, filmed  Zach's delivery. It was hilarious! With Shelley filming, and Susan Gierhart, my mom and Mark weeping...well, let's just say... it was Oscar worthy! Zach was born with pneumo media steinam (air trapped around his heart, like a squeezing fist, Jake had this, too).  It was tense and frightening in the first few hours of his life. But, we had great doctors (Ramesh Mohan) and nurses (Susie McLaughlin!). I did not get to hold him for two days. But, when I did, it was glorious! He was beautiful in every way. The perfect baby.  Zach just ate, slept and smiled. We have recently been watching home videos. (Thanks. Timmy!) Zach was the silliest, most energetic little boy. We called him, "Runaway Ralph", as he rode his bike. Just a cool kid!
      I knew early on, that there was something different about him. He did not seem to be hearing us. As Zach began to talk, we noticed that he had a pronounced speech impediment. We began seeing different doctors all over the state. After much prayer, we decided on Dr. Vikki Duke.  We have been with her for 11 years now.  Through many tests, it was determined that Zach was partially deaf. He had limited hearing in his right ear. And, close to none in his left ear. While, we did feel some devastation, it never dawned on us to pity him.  You would have to know Zach to understand this. He has never viewed himself as having a disability. Never seen himself to be "different". (It has only been recently, that he talks about it openly with his peers)  Dr. Duke told us, that in her whole career, she has "never seen a child master his disability like this". He got his first set of hearing aids in first grade. His teacher, Sherry Ranallo, will be forever endeared to our family. She prepared Zach's class for his new "gadgets". They all sent him wonderful notes, cards and goody bags. It was divine. We have seen many beautiful things come out of Zach's life. He is a gift. Do I wish he had his hearing in full? Yes!  It breaks my heart that he cannot lay in bed and hear the rain. Please. Never take that for granted! Two years ago, we were told that Zach will be "legally deaf" before he graduates. His hearing has steadily declined. Our friends, Bill and Carrie Mulder, layed hands on him two weeks ago, believing for healing. We will always pray for that.
      During my "illness" (I can find millions of ways to describe addiction and depression!), I literally stayed in my room for the better part of four years. Now, I did get out some. But, for the most part...I was in my bed. Here is where I might get emotional.  As Jake and Zach would get home from school, Jake would quickly fix snacks for all four of them. And, then start on homework. But, Zach.....he always came straight to my room to give me a kiss. To check on me.  Always. But, one fateful afternoon, he came home to something quite different. He ran upstairs and found me unconscious. I had overdosed the day before.  My body seemed lifeless. He tried feverishly to awaken me. He was in a state of pure panic. He called my parents for help. Shortly thereafter, the emergency crews came and took me away. He was twelve years old. I have told him many times how sorry I am, that he had to see his mother like that. I have no recollection of  anything that happened that day. None. The emergency crew told my parents that my legs were already stiff and rigid. It was a horrible sight for a young boy to witness. He has forgiven me. We talk openly, as need be...I have  many sweet notes and cards that he sent to me in Tennessee. They remind me of that generous, open and forgiving heart that he gave to me. He is precious in every way.
      Zach asked Jesus in his heart when he was six years old. He was baptized with Jake. He is also very active in our church youth group. And, is involved in youth leadership, choir and Bible studies. Zach asked me to speak at Trojans for Christ this year. How cool!?! My son, wanting his old mom, to speak to his peers!  He gives me song selections that he wants me to sing. I have recently done Christy Nockels, "Hosanna" and "Healing is in Your Hands", at his request. Listen to them! A fourteen year old boy suggested them! He is passionate about worship music. I can hear him singing in his room at times. A wonderful thing to hear! He has a huge heart. Zach is tender and true. His little sister adores him. He is burdened for his friends that are lost. This has cost him relationships. He has felt the sting of bullying. But, I have never been more proud. He has a warrior's heart. Anyone would be honored to call him, "friend".
      Zach has his own "stuff" that he deals with. He, too, is not perfect. With everything that he has been through with me; he could easily  be  angry, distrusting and disrespectful. But, he is none of those things. Quite the opposite. His former football coach, Randy Cloud, said that Zach was one his finest young men. A treasure to teach. He encouraged me that kids like Zach are not common. Like Jake, we have never been closer. We both love our music loud! So, you may see just the two of us driving around town, jammin'! He loves Quick Trip and shopping. Zach also loves Super Summer at OBU!  He has been on two mission trips. And,  is currently trying to raise $1200 to go to Belize in March. Hire him! Jake, too! Jobs, big or small. While we are trying to save up for Jake a car...this is our priority right now! I have to plug this! Pray for them! Whether you know him or  not; give him a shout  out!
        I just received a text from Zach: "I'm deaf! Only have one hearing aid. The battery is dead. Please bring batteries! I'm deaf".....What is "funny" about this, is no one, outside of family and close friends, really understands that, without his hearing aids,....he cannot hear....he "masters his disability"....(Thank you, Carol, for picking up his other hearing aid today! Big hug! He will be grateful!)
       Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Zach. He is a fine young man. Thank you for giving me a second chance! Thank you, that he came to my rescue. Continue to rise up in him. Make him more like You! Bless him and protect him. Amen.
      Thank you, for reading my "post". "Follow", "Share", pray and love! Blessings to you all!
GISG!
Kari