No, juice is better...

Zach was here for a visit this weekend. It was so delightful to see him as always. When I think of Zach, I think of laughing.... actually, I think of giggling. (And, I hate any conjugation of the verb, giggle.) But, that's exactly what Zach's laugh is. A certifiably signature and contagious giggle.

I met Zach my freshman year of college. After my first semester of college, we'll just say my grades were less than stellar. I received a letter in the mail stating that I wasn't able to register for the Spring semester until making an appointment with Zach Gray, my assigned Student Development Specialist. Zach became the human face to me of what was one of the largest universities in the nation. He continued to be my academic advisor for the next four years, even after he was assigned to advising for a major other than my own. I can't thank him enough for his help in setting me on the path to success in my college career, although I've made plenty of attempts in the years since. And, while there are many reasons I wouldn't take back that initial semester's experiences, gaining Zach as a lifelong friend is certainly at the top of the list.

Beyond Zach's giggle and his beaming smile, he has a multitude of talents. Not the least of which is his ability to recite likely the entire script of Steel Magnolias. If he were a charater, I like to think he'd be Truvy.

I start this endeavor from his inspiration. From the great piece of advice Zach once gave me at a bar, while I was having a bit of an emotional outburst. He calmly raised my beer to my mouth and said only..."Drink your juice, Shelby. Drink your juice."