Nineteen years ago this guy was born and there hasn’t been a birthday since that I have not spent with him.

And last year, I fully anticipated that he would be in Tahiti, coming up on his year mark for his mission. I knew I’d be saying, “Happy Birthday, Elder Fiore!”

But this year has not turned out like we expected (or anyone expected in 2020, but I’m also talking about some individual trials Zach experienced). Who would have expected that Tahiti would have brought with it some unique trials; ones that would stretch, push and pull Zach in every direction. Then the challenge and stress of getting home amidst COVID, and the unique reset months of quarantine at home, only to head back out again to serve in the Calgary, Canada mission.

Yes, since Zach’s last birthday , I think he has grown more than the expected year. But it makes it that much easier to share with you the 10 things I love most about this Birthday guy:

• His resilience. His ability to fight; to claw his way through challenges and to hang on through some pretty hard times. I admire the strength he has , the attitude he created and his ability to pick himself up time and time again.

• His willingness to do hard work. He is driven and he is not afraid to pick hard and go for it.

• His faith. His faith has grown so much. But at times, even when it was a tiny flicker of light, he held on to it.

• His vulnerability. He has been so open about his challenges – not only with us, but with his friends, and all the people he meets. He is not afraid to show this vulnerability and reach out to those who are also more vulnerable. He has allowed himself to be humbled, and to develop more compassion and empathy.

• His sense of humour. He makes us all laugh – whether it be with his funny stories, or his crazy ideas. He can be sarcastic, lighthearted, super cheap (which we all find so funny) or downright silly. He is a lot of fun to be around.

• His gift of the gab. He is realizing how much he loves to talk – and how much he needs to talk! (I could have told him that years ago, lol). He has a lot to say! He loves to give advice, and to share his opinion. But, he is a great listener too – he asks questions, he is curious, and he gives advice because many come to him to seek his advice.

• His sportiness. He enjoys playing and watching all sports. He is passionate about some more than others – but he loves to get in there and give it his all no matter what!

• His sensitivity and thoughtfulness. He is in tune – with himself and with others. He picks up on how people feel and he reaches out to them. He will do the little things for people – and realizes that little things make a difference.

• His willingness to serve. His mission has been tough, but his love of service keeps him going. He is committed and loves to help others. It’s his favourite thing to do. He loves making a difference for someone, or seeing joy that someone can get from a small thing he does. He loves to share the Gospel as that has brought him joy, but he is just as happy serving in a soup kitchen, helping someone clean their yard (except ours, haha), or visiting with someone who is lonely.

• His smarts and wisdom. He is curious , and wants to learn. He studies hard, asks lots of questions, listened intently, and tries to make sense of things. If he doesn’t know, he is keen to find out. He is not afraid to say when he doesn’t know, and he is always willing to learn by asking and talking.

I could go on and on. These represent a few of the many things I love about Zach. He is an all around great guy and I couldn’t be happier and prouder to be his Mom.

I will miss him on his birthday – but I’m sure this is first of many – so I better get used to it, lol! Watching your kids grow is so so bittersweet! I wish him a year filled with adventure, love, good health, sunshine, laughter and all good things. I know reality will bring some challenges too but I know he can do hard things, or as he said in his recent group email home “we” can do hard things (him and his Saviour – and I will throw our support into that we too as we will always be there for him).

Happy Birthday My Boy!

All my love,

Mom

xoxox