Zac and I met on July 6th, 2015. I remember every single detail of that day, as if it were etched into my heart. From the moment I saw him, I felt a spark—a true, undeniable “love at first sight.” Zac had this way of making me laugh instantly, even from day one. There wasn’t a single silent moment during that six-hour drive back home from a church camp in Neosho, Missouri, to Denton, Texas. By the time we arrived, I knew I wanted to know him more. His go-getter spirit, his desire to make me laugh, and his genuine heart drew me in immediately.
Soon after that camp ride, we went on a mission trip to Zambia, Africa—both of us for the very first time. Our love felt undeniable and unstoppable by that point. If you truly want to know someone, I’ve realized, take a journey with them across the world. That’s when you see who they really are. I couldn’t believe how perfectly our story was unfolding, and I knew it was from the Lord. I fell in love—not just with Zac, but with the children, the atmosphere, the culture, and the undeniable presence of God in that place. He gave both of us a deep burden for the people there, igniting a passion to serve Him. That experience planted in me a deep conviction: when God is truly our priority, He brings people and opportunities into our lives that we didn’t even know we needed. Everything has a purpose, even when it’s unexpected.
After returning from Africa, I felt God drawing me toward attending Bible college in Neosho, Missouri—the same college my pastor graduated from, and coincidentally, where Zac was finishing his senior year. That year, we shared countless laughs, tears, and the earliest moments of our relationship. We were both in the Africa prayer band, meeting weekly to pray for the country, and in the Overcomer’s choir. I was on cloud nine. Zac was lively, full of energy, and determined to make me laugh at every turn. Sometimes I felt like I could barely keep up—but I loved every second of it.
Life was moving quickly, and it became clear Zac wasn’t one to play around in relationships. He knew what he wanted and went after it with everything he had. That was just who he was—a dreamer, a doer, a man with a vision for life. He could have been the greatest missionary, youth pastor, and CEO of a business all at once. Zac had a passion for people, and he never met a stranger. One of the greatest lessons he taught me was the importance of investing in others—the joy of bringing a smile to someone’s face, the difference it makes to touch a life.
Zac proposed at Reunion Tower in Dallas, Texas, on a chilly December night. I had a feeling it might happen that night, but he tried so hard to surprise me. My stomach was in knots. He asked the waiter to take a picture of us, then walked toward me, got down on one knee, and said, “Erika, I love you. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without you. Will you marry me?” Tears filled my eyes as I said yes, and we left in shock and joy. He had already graduated, and I returned for a semester to finish my second year.
Between December and August, before our wedding, we shared so many adventures—trips with family, laughter, and dreams of a life together. After our honeymoon in Durango, Colorado, we settled into married life. We both worked and served as assistant youth pastors at our home church in Denton, Texas. Zac had such a heart for youth; he planned activities, led with joy, and made life fun for our church family. I loved doing it all beside him. Everyone loved Zac. He gave so much of himself to everyone he met. But just when life felt steady, God can shake everything in one moment.
July 21st, 2018—the day my world completely shattered. I remember it like it happened yesterday. I woke up and got ready for work at the Discount Boot store, where Zac had helped me get the job. I said goodbye to him that morning, unaware it would be the last time. At lunch, my car wouldn’t start, and he graciously picked me up. On the drive, we talked about a funeral for a church member. Zac wasn’t feeling great, but he insisted on going, wanting to serve and help. Little did I know, this would be the last time I’d see him alive.
He rode off on his motorcycle after lunch, smiling, waving, blowing a kiss. I watched him leave, frozen. I had no idea it would be the last time I’d see his smile, hear his laugh, or hold him close.
When I couldn’t reach him, panic set in. Calls went unanswered. His brother Jesse called, asking if I had heard from him. I had not. My heart sank. Soon, his mom arrived to get me, driving frantically toward the hospital. The minutes felt like hours. When we arrived, our pastor, Tim Laurito, pulled us into a room where Zac’s family waited. My dad yelled, “Zac didn’t make it…” My mom screamed in disbelief. My world collapsed.
We went to see him. The room felt endless. I shook, sick to my stomach, but went in. He was lying there, lifeless. I held his hand, stroked his hair, prayed desperately, asking God to heal him. But peace washed over me in that moment. I knew it was over—but my heart wasn’t ready to let go. At twenty years old, after just eleven months of marriage, no one should have to say goodbye.
The waiting room was filled with our church family, tears and prayers mingling with ours. That night, I left the hospital completely broken. Zac had died from a major heart injury. In a way, so had I. I felt like my life was over.
Yet, somehow, I found a way to go on. Through sleepless nights, frustration, confusion, and heartbreak, I began to heal. I returned to college to finish my third year, trusting God to guide me. Slowly, smiles returned, faith restored. God carried me every step.
And then, unexpectedly, He brought Timothy Sebastian into my life. He became a friend, a listener, a partner in healing. God gave me love again, in a way I didn’t know was possible. Timmy stood by me, proving that love and trust can grow even after unimaginable loss.
I am living proof that, no matter your age, no matter your circumstance, you can walk through tragedy and find restoration with God. Zac’s motto was “live every day like it’s your last.” I carry that with me, choosing life, hope, and love. Even in the valley, even in the dark, God restores, He heals, and He provides opportunities to love again. My story is still being written, but I know every step is guided by His hand. Keep moving forward. One day, you’ll see—it’s worth it.
