When It Rains…It Pours

by David Bernstein

Friends of Zachary,

It’s been almost 3 weeks since the passing of Zachary. We still get many cards, e-mails & continued outpouring of support from the community. Our family, over all, is doing well, while we continue to try to put the pieces back together. We hear from friends and family sharing subtle stories or events that seem to bring them closer to Zachary…As if he is still with us. I can assure you…there is not a moment that goes by where an image, smell, tone or touch reminds us about Zachary incredible spirit and fortitude.

Please allow me to share my own personal story.

Shortly after Zachary’s passing. I started to go back to the martial arts. It’s a passion that Zachary and I shared as we were both Brown Belts working to achieve our Black Belts. The more time he and I spent on the mat the less achieving a black belt was as important. Just being with him was rewarding enough. I enjoyed every minute seeing my son achieve in an art he loved so much.

This past Saturday, March 29th, I went to my adult class which consisted of all different belt ranks and ages. I usually workout with the higher belts in my continued effort to achieve my ultimate goal. Unfortunately, I suffered an injury at school (which was my own fault) and found myself on the floor with a fractured fibular and torn tendons. While I was laying there,  I looked behind me to see the 3 pictures that lined the wall of the Dojo just above our Instructor, Sensei Adel Elbehiry’s office.  These pictures were of Zachary which proudly hung in honor and loving memory of his brave student.

When I looked back to see those pictures and what should have been a very painful experience was dulled by the memory and loss of my son. I was empowered by the images on the wall. I said to myself, “if Zachary could endure the worst conditions imaginable with and constant smile”, this was nothing.

Going from Doctors to scans, It was confirmed that I indeed had a fractured fibular and torn tendons. I will have surgery this Monday and hopefully be back to a modified workday shortly after. While the recovery of this surgery takes weeks to heal…again, I said to myself, what would Zachary do…get right back to School doing what be loved to do.

This story is not to look for sympathy but simply share that “our” sons passing empowers us all to fight hard and overcome our own personal obstacles and challenges every single day.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Deena, David, Matthew, (Zachary) & Molly

“It Takes A Village”