Think Pink…Where Do You Find Your Inspiration?

by David Bernstein

Friends of Zachary,

It’s been a several weeks since I’ve drafted my latest post. Given the 1 month anniversary of Zachary’s passing, a recent broken ankle suffered from an athletic injury and several other transitional points in my life, At this moment, I find it very challenging to find something inspirational and meaningful to write. These past few weeks continue to make me wonder why our little boy was taken from us and what positive outcome came from it. I continue to search for a meaning and a rationale as to…Why. Does it take a horrific tragedy like a child’s passing to spark the need to be inspired? Does it take some of the most influential people, actors, sports figures and leaders who have taken an interest in Zachary to foster an inspirational moment? Finally, does it take random postings by me to share profound moments and thoughts as we go through this journey of uncertainty?

So…Where do you find your inspiration? I truly believe Inspiration is a push – pull effect. As the media, blogs, chat rooms and content providers continue to disseminate information about heroic acts of individuals or heartfelt stories that shake the inner core of our being, I find these are pushed out to us to remind us that significant acts of kindness, heroism, strength and fortitude are always out there. But when do you pull the inspiration into your everyday life? Answer…Every single minute of every day. Inspiration is all around us.

I feel we all get caught up in our daily routine that we miss the littlest forms of inspiration that ultimately can make the biggest impact. Why wait for a tragic or heroic event or grand gesture to be inspired. Look for opportunities, simple actions by others or challenge yourself to personally inspire not only you but others. You will find many of us have our “eyes wide shut”, I now try to live my life with my “eyes wide open”.

So here’s my ask…Please share with me…in confidence, what about Zachary’s story truly inspired you and what steps/actions did you take to better your life. How has Zachary’s life impacted you personally and what have you done to change the way you look at things, manage the situation, life and your family. As I continue to share my stories about Zachary and the impact I think he has made on a community, I would like to hear tangible stories from you that confirm my belief. Not only will it affirm my suspicion that Zachary truly had a tangible impact but more impotently how was it paid forward. I will not share any e-mails sent to me unless you grant me permission.

Over the next few months, you will hear about some amazing individuals that have gone above and beyond to ensure Zachary’s life will never be forgotten. Local families in our community as well as national sports partners will use their environments to memorialize Zachary’s life. As I pointed out in my last post…You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Finally, why the pink cast…This past Friday (April 11th, 2014), we honored Zachary’s 1 month passing. The students, facility, teachers and friends of Zachary all gathered to share in his 1 month memorial by coloring their hair hot pink or wear shirts and other articles of clothing in his favorite color. It was only right to have my cast in Hot Pink while waving the Miami Heat colors.

On behalf of my family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Our sincerest appreciation

Deena, David, Matthew, (Zachary) & Molly

“It Takes A Village”