Youths Ease Parents’ Pain

On Jan. 31, our 15-year-old son was killed instantly when a car spun out of control and slammed into a utility pole, less than a half-mile away from our home. Each day my sensibilities are rubbed raw by stories of other wonderful and vital children taken from us so capriciously. I grieve for myself, for my son and for them, too.

During the past four months my husband and I have been sustained by Zack’s many, many friends, wonderful children who have shown us extraordinary maturity, sensitivity and compassion well beyond their years.

On Saturday, May 18, an amazing contingent of these kids gathered at Calabasas High School, hefted shovels and got plenty sweaty planting five trees and a dozen flats of flowers in Zack’s memory. There was also an implicit resolve by each of them to remember the awesome responsibilities that come with a driver’s license.

The tree planting was organized by ninth-graders Josh Brooks, Tiffany Corby and Blake Holt, who were among Zack’s closest friends. Together, the students, Zack’s parents Linda and Alan Hahn, and Zack’s brother, Joshua, planted five acacia trees along the walkway to the school. The trees, which will flower in the early spring, were provided through contributions to a memorial fund established at the high school in Zack’s name.

“Zack has been my best friend since fourth grade,” said Blake Holt. “Walking by these trees each day will make me smile as I remember him and the good times we spent together.”

LINDA HAHN

Calabasas