Zach entered my life a decade ago, a bright 15-year-old filled with laughter and light. He was a handsome and sweet young man who radiated respect and joy, always looking to have fun just like my son, Jaden.
Almost immediately, Zach became Jaden's steadfast best friend, and in my eyes, he became like a son too. Oh, how I cherished that spirited kid! They were inseparable, sharing the bond of youth as they navigated their sophomore year at Walton High School in East Cobb, Georgia, when they first crossed paths.
To say that life was challenging during that time would truly be an understatement. Jaden and I had just moved to Georgia from Minneapolis, reeling from the upheaval of change. I was uprooting Jaden from everything familiar, trying to find a semblance of stability in a new environment.
We faced hardships, including a rental fraud that left us shaken. Despite my fear and anxiety, I knew I had to keep it together for Jaden.
When we first arrived, we found a beautiful house in Camp Creek, and Jaden enrolled at Langston Hughes High School. Although I had reservations about the school, circumstances left me with little choice.
Our world turned upside down when the sheriff knocked on our door, telling us we had to vacate the house we were renting—just after my car's engine had erupted.
Many nights, our only meal was a simple pasta dish I fashioned from ingredients I salvaged from the expired bins at Whole Foods.I felt a wave of relief wash over me when Jaden quickly found a second family in the McBrayers. At least he would have food and exposure to a life better than what I could offer at that time. It was actual a beautiful life and we were blessed by Zach and his family. I don't think they knew the extent.
Together, we managed to survive and eventually thrive.Throughout high school, Jaden and Zach were virtually inseparable. We eventually moved to Midtown, and strangely enough, Zach altered his own trajectory to be near us. Those boys filled the streets of Midtown with laughter, running in and out of my apartment as they roamed freely through the city, perhaps a little too carefree looking back now.
They had an extended circle of friends, yet if one was somewhere, the other was likely there too. I chuckle remembering how often Jaden would carry Zach's diabetic medication in his pockets, just in case.
I recall the days when Cammie, Zach's wonderfully patient mother, and I would exchange our thoughts on where we believed the boys were and what they might be up to.
Our investigative skills were sharp, and while we usually pieced together their adventures, they often kept their secrets well.
We now discover just how many trips out of state happened without our knowledge.
Jaden and Zach shared an unwavering passion for music, finding a creative expression regardless of their surroundings.
Jaden even built Zach a music studio in his basement, which sadly met its end due to a ceiling fan that caused a devastating fire. That space was their secret haven probably driving his parents crazy however.
They cultivated a massive catalog of songs, though they tragically lost most of them in a recent fire. Jaden is diligently working on piecing those creations together so we can forever hold onto Zach's music.
The loss of Jaden's older brother, Saquoya, in August 2021, drew Zach and Jaden closer, helping Jaden in his healing journey—though he continues to heal even now. Your prayers for him are deeply appreciated.
In God's perfect timing, I managed to open a music studio.
I will forever remember the tears of joy in his eyes when he first visited my studio and he worked tirelessly to support and help.
Because of the studio Zach and Jaden were able to reignite their musical ambitions, and although I urged them to create an album or EP to monetize their work, the sheer joy of being at the studio became their focus.
They earned the title of Resident Artists alongside more established talents—young, ambitious, and undeniably spirited.
The studio transformed into a sanctuary for Zach. He’d arrive unannounced, often leaving his belongings behind just for a reason to return.
Last year, Jaden welcomed his son, Shakari, and suddenly Zach found himself an uncle! Life began to shift their friendship, but they still gathered weekly at my studio, keeping their bond alive.
The final months of Zach's life brimmed with special memories that became treasured moments, a blessing that brought us all so close together.
It may have been a mere matter of months, yet it felt like an eternity. God was working. We had sensed we were gradually losing Zach, witnessing a rapid unfolding of his life story. He was present for a purpose, and for me, his mission manifested through the love and wisdom he so generously shared.
Strangely, just a few weeks ago, he gifted me a Bluetooth speaker. When I questioned him about it, he simply insisted I keep it. I'm grateful he knew play it daily and every time I play it I think of him.
Zach was so happy the first time we took him to Church www.passioncitychurch.com He wanted to go back and asked. And he told me he wanted to give his life to the Lord.
I jumped into action. He wanted me to contact his Mimi (Pamela) and have his parents present. There was a big group of us 16 people who went to Church that Sunday. The Sunday Zach gave his life to the Lord was so amazing.
It was very emotional because Zach got saved but so did Jaden and the mother of his son Jazmine and our friend Hollywood Prada. It was a beautiful day.
And that was my mission in Zach's life I see in retrospect and I proudly accomplished my mission. He was loved by many and he loved the Lord. Rest in Heaven Zach!!!! No more pain or suffering. ZTG (Zach The Great) forever. We will meet again my sweet boy.
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