I tell myself that God gave [us] many gifts - spirit, beauty, intelligence, the capacity to make friends and to inspire respect. There was only one gift he held back- length of life.- Rose Kennedy

As life often happens, I received a phone call Monday afternoon as I got off work from a dear friend of mine telling me to find somewhere where I could be alone for a few minutes, as they needed to tell me something. Fearing the worst, I found a bench, sat down, and prepared myself for whatever was coming next.

As soon as I heard the news that Zachary Buche had passed away just a few hours prior, my whole body was filled with absolute shock and sickness at the thought. I did not know how to wrap my mind around his passing, and I was trying to find the words to encourage others that were getting in contact with me during this time.

The Buche family played a huge role in my childhood, and I am so grateful for Zach's life. I found myself recalling memories of Zach and I trailing barefoot up and down rivers for hours on end, storing our candy in the hole in the wall behind his couch, spending our days at the pool only to go to swim practice in the evenings, and watching movies over and over again until we got sick of them. Zach and his family allowed me the opportunity to have an incredible childhood, and helped me realize the beauty in life from early on. For that I am forever grateful.

At the ceremony celebrating Zach's life this past Friday, I was once again reminded of the immense humility and awe-inspiring goodness that the Buche family possesses--traits that can never be confined to mere words. Not only are they handling this time and event well, but they are acting upon it with such a respectable amount of dignity and grace that it is helping change the lives of others.

At a place and time where I had been trying to muster up the ability to encourage the Buches, I was the one of many that had left that day full of hope and encouragement from them. Every thought, emotion, and action that the Buche family is displaying through Zach's passing is truly a beautiful reflection of Zach's life, relationships, and walk with God.

And as your family can proudly say, Zach, this was not a part of your plan.

Choices are eternal.

Zach, this was such a sudden event, but I have absolute certainty that these changes that have happened, and those that are in store, will be acted upon with faith, courage, and nobility by your friends, and especially each and every member of your family. I hope and know that your passing will teach us all to be careful with what the Creator has given us, but also to display love as generously and as humbly as you have to each person we come in contact with, for your friendship meant the world to us.

"Ending all of this intentionally was not your plan. It was a moment of lapse in judgement, which most of us are prone to, especially at your age. We love you and grieve our loss on this side of heaven. We wanted more time, but we celebrate the bonus of 19 years we had with you. We miss you and our hearts ache uncontrollably. We hope that those who know you well and even those who barely know you will remain steadfast in the knowledge that this was not your plan. It was a mistake and an accident. You loved well and you were loved well. Our love will continue into eternity. To God be the glory!"

-Lindsey Buche