How This Works

What a wonderful story! I am myself a proud mother of a 3 year old autistic boy named Carter. He is also in the Columbia School District. He is in Mrs. Froess's early childhood education class. He was only in her room for 1 month and is already making progress. I know exactly what you mean about the store and the staring and comments. My son has to have a bottle because of his sensory issues- what a stare I get! Anyway- thanks for the story- it gives me hope! Best Wishes!
posted by Melissa Kalbfleisch on 5/30/07 2:41: PM

I like your video zachary is a cool guy.
posted by casey mears on 5/30/07 1:20: PM

Your video was nice zachary is a great guy
posted by nascar on 5/30/07 1:16: PM

Your video was nice zachary is a great guy
posted by nascar on 5/30/07 1:16: PM

Your video was nice zachary is a great guy
posted by nascar on 5/30/07 1:16: PM

Your video was nice zachary is a great guy
posted by nascar on 5/30/07 1:16: PM

I love you mom
posted by zachary dailey on 5/30/07 1:08: PM

Dear Kim, What a handsome son you have! You have a talent in verbal expression, used so poetically in your video. Thank you for sharing your heart with the world, in hopes of greater awareness & understanding. Now, I'd like to share something with you. When people where I live drive too slow (I live in an area where there are lots of folks way older than I am, & I'm a grammy!) on a 2-lane road (1 way in each direction), and I'd like to get to where I'm going without feeling frustrated, I play a thinking game. I think of all the reasons why they may be driving slow (other than their age). I've thought up some that make me chuckle to myself...perhaps there is a Jello tower on the seat next to them, the sole of their right foot is covered in blisters, they forgot their glasses, they're about to run out of gas...well, you get the idea. It turns down the heat, preventing a momentary "boil-over" of emotions. Now, if you ever overhear people making negative comments directed about Zach, find a coping skill that will help you block it out. For instance, hum your favorite Hymn, count your many blessings, or, say a silent prayer that one day their level of understanding & compassion will surpass their ignorant rudeness. From reading through your comment section, it seems like Zach has many caring friends. Through their friendship, by example, they are showing the world a better way to adapt to differences. A wise sensory therapist once told me "We're ALL a little autistic". So, there you are, none of us are perfect, we all have room to grow, and like your video so aptly communicated, we all need to develop greater tolerance for others. . . even for those who just don't understand. May sunshine fill your soul today! Grammy Pammy of "Our Boys, Our Purpose".
posted by Grammy Pammy on 5/30/07 6:27: AM

Dear Kim, What a handsome son you have! You have a talent in verbal expression, used so poetically in your video. Thank you for sharing your heart with the world, in hopes of greater awareness & understanding. Now, I'd like to share something with you. When people where I live drive too slow (I live in an area where there are lots of folks way older than I am, & I'm a grammy!) on a 2-lane road (1 way in each direction), and I'd like to get to where I'm going without feeling frustrated, I play a thinking game. I think of all the reasons why they may be driving slow (other than their age). I've thought up some that make me chuckle to myself...perhaps there is a Jello tower on the seat next to them, the sole of their right foot is covered in blisters, they forgot their glasses, they're about to run out of gas...well, you get the idea. It turns down the heat, preventing a momentary "boil-over" of emotions. Now, if you ever overhear people making negative comments directed about Zach, find a coping skill that will help you block it out. For instance, hum your favorite Hymn, count your many blessings, or, say a silent prayer that one day their level of understanding & compassion will surpass their ignorant rudeness. From reading through your comment section, it seems like Zach has many caring friends. Through their friendship, by example, they are showing the world a better way to adapt to differences. A wise sensory therapist once told me "We're ALL a little autistic". So, there you are, none of us are perfect, we all have room to grow, and like your video so aptly communicated, we all need to develop greater tolerance for others. . . even for those who just don't understand. May sunshine fill your soul today! Grammy Pammy of "Our Boys, Our Purpose".
posted by Grammy Pammy on 5/30/07 6:27: AM

Wow, My son recieved an email suggesting he watch this video, not sure what it was I watched it first. It is so wonderful to see the internet being used for such a powerful, moving statement. May GOD continue to bless you and your family with encourgement and strenght and surrounding you with supportive and positive people. I have passed on the link to a group of friends that I prayer with so we can include Zach and the hope of positive changes in our World for the future. God Bless
posted by Prayer partner on 5/28/07 6:14: PM

My name is Nick Rodenberg. I am a sixth grade student at CMS. Ever since kindergarten I have been around Zach in the school halls, classes, and school events. I think it's amazing how well he deals with the challenges he faces! I love seeing him manage at sporting events and cheer on Columbia. And Zach, never give up at what you want to do! Never let anyone bring you down! Zach you'll always be my friend and I'll never forget how truly inspiring you really are. Last, I hope to see you managing baseball, basketball, and track next year!
posted by Nick Rodenberg on 5/26/07 8:28: AM

Hi my name is Eric Jessen.I am a sixth grader at Columbia Middle School. All the years I knew him which was since kindergarden he always knew a lot about sports, so whenever i had a question about sports I went to ask him and he always knew the answer.Thanks for being a great friend Zach! I hope you cheer on the Eagles Basketball team next year to another conference championship victory!
posted by Eric Jessen on 5/25/07 11:08: AM

Hi my name is Tyler Harm. I’m in sixth grade at Columbia Middle School. At the faculty game where the teachers played the 8th grade basketball team, every time Zach scored a basket the crowd would go wild and Zach would run down the court with one finger in the air. At the end of all the basketball games he would run out on the court and cheer on the eagles. At the Conference championship once the buzzer went off he ran got the trophy and held it in the air. No one has more school spirit then Zach. Zach is always happy at school. He gives high fives to everyone. When my track my team came in last place in a race, Zach still came over and congratulated me. Thanks for being a great friend, Zach!
posted by Tyler Harm on 5/25/07 8:17: AM

Your video was very touching. It changed the way I look at disabled people. Thank you, Drew
posted by Drew Bicklein on 5/24/07 1:22: PM

My name is nick osland and I go to Columbia Middle School with Zach. Zach is probably one of the coolest kids I have ever met. On the basketball team he was manager and always gave us pep talks. He was also manager of the baseball team. He goes to a lot of school events, when he played in the faculty game. Even though he has autism Zach has the most posotive attitude I have ever seen. He truly does live life to the fullest. I can't wait to see him next year.
posted by Nick Osland on 5/24/07 11:01: AM

Hi, my name is T.J. Weber. I go to school with Zach at Columbia Middle School. Zach is so nice to everyone. He is really an important part of our team, not just basketball but in general. He would always give us pep talks during basketball games and he would get the fans cheering during spirit week, faculty basketball game, or some other school event. He has so much determination in everything he does. It is always a great time to be around Zach.
posted by T.J. Weber on 5/24/07 8:46: AM

Zachy - I've loved you since the moment I saw you. I'm so happy that people have taken enough time to know the beautiful heart that you have - you are a blessing to this world from God!! You are our angel! Sissy & Mike - You've listened to God's word and followed His plan. Well done, good and faithful ones!
posted by Aunt Laura on 5/23/07 8:45: PM

I was lucky enough to watch this video while sitting next to Zachary. He was busy with his work, but when I looked over at him he gave me one of his wonderful smiles. That always makes my day. He is a blessing to us all.
posted by cindy groce on 5/17/07 9:48: PM

Kim you always have had a great heart. Now you are blessed with an awesome family. You are a wonderful mother. I definately had tears streaming down my face watching your beautiful video. You are a true inspiration and raising your children to be the same. God Bless.
posted by Kim Rush on 5/16/07 3:42: PM

High five for you and Zach! What a great story! from a mom who hates going grocery shopping!
posted by Holly on 5/15/07 6:27: AM