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The Tragedy of Depression
Remembering Zack
~This piece was one of a series written for a non-profit foundation in which I’ve had the honor of participating: Mental Health Support Day/#IKNOWSOMEONE hosted by Kinection Arts in Clearwater, FL. The organization’s mission is to not only honor individuals who have passed away from emotional issues, but to give back to the community by supporting those who struggle with mental health disorders.
Just who was Zachary Michael Weaver?
Incredibly intelligent, Zack was Valedictorian of his high school class in his Upstate New York hometown of Bolton Landing — but nobody even knew it until days before the commencement ceremonies began. Although he balked at giving a speech at graduation, the one he did deliver was so hilarious that he “had everyone in stitches,” remembered his big sister, Wendy Weaver-Cota.
Zack was well-liked by his teachers and peers alike, as well as quiet and always happy to help others. He was also quite talented.
“He could take a car part and put it back together again like that,” Weaver-Cota said. “He was extremely intelligent and didn’t ever have to study.”
Although the family was poor, Zack, Wendy, and their other brother Pete had an otherwise idyllic childhood. They grew up on a farm where they raised chickens, had a cow…
