On Saturday August 22 Zackary Kenneth Jolley precious son to Kyle Jolley and Kelly Burke, big brother to Jonah Jolley was carried into heaven on the words of the ‘Priestly Blessing’ (Numbers 6:24-26) songs of hope and whispers of love mingled with tears of those who have been left here on earth to grieve.
Zackary your legs are now free to walk, run and explore; Your hands free to embrace; Your eyes to fully see, your tongue loosed and lips will form beautiful words and expressions of awe and love. You’ve gone ahead of us. Reunited with your twin brother and so many other precious family members waiting to show you the wonders of heaven. You’ve seen the face of Jesus and in his presence you will ‘leap like a deer. Our hearts are grieving, our arms are lighter and emptier after years of carrying you, but our hope and healing comes from the knowledge that you are free from all that hindered you.
Zackary enjoyed the company of people, listening to music and eavesdropping on conversations, he was our little “spy” agent. Zack loved going on adventures with family, and because of community support like that of NADY and Community Living he was able to try out new adventures such as downhill skiing, which he truly enjoyed. Zackary was quite the character and did not believe in stop signs or stop lights when out on a drive. He raised his voice and would let whomever was driving know that he was not impressed with stopping and waiting. (To all those school bus drivers and Para Bus drivers over the years, thank you for your patience with Zackary during these moments)
Zackary, you were the best “little” big brother to Jonah and such a precious gift to Mom and Dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Precious to so many friends, classmates, teachers and extended family. You kept many teachers and E.A’s ‘on their toes’ over the years, and your bond with “Miss Chris” is a rare gift, and a treasure that will be carried in our hearts forever. Your beautiful blue eyes, silly sense of humour, infectious laughter and smile could bring such joy and light up a room.
Making a connection with Zack always would take patience and time but those who did made him feel special and warmed our hearts as parents. There are so many giving people who poured their heart and soul into Zackary over his 19 years on this earth, please know that as Mother Teresa said “ Your true character is most accurately measured by how you treat those who can do “nothing” for you.” Our lives have been enriched and our character has been enhanced all the more for just knowing Zackary. Zackary gave us many wonderful memories and our final moments with him are cherished gifts.
To all those who helped Zackary’s final sacred journey and honoured our wishes, we cannot thank you enough. Dr. Locke (and staff) you have a heart of gold! To the nurses at ParaMed for your kindness, gentleness and respectfulness in our home and with Zackary. Nicole you were the calm on this ‘stormy night’. And to Lana who honoured the sacredness of the moment and helped bring Zackary to heaven when Mommy’s words and songs grew too weak.
There are no words powerful enough to express the void that has been left in our lives the moment Zackary left this earth. That void will only be completely filled when on that day we are reunited and Jesus makes sense of it all and binds every wound. So for now we say a quick “goodbye” and wait for the day when our “hello” will be forever.
A private family service will be held. If you would like to honour Zackary’s memory with a memorial donation please consider NADY. Arrangements entrusted to Martyn Funeral Home.