FOUR YEARS OF ZADE’S CHRISTMAS DRIVE

Looking back on the past few Christmases, I can hardly believe how life has changed.

Zade’s Christmas Drive began shortly after Zade passed away, starting as a last-minute idea we somehow managed to pull together. We were overwhelmed by the love and support from our friends and family. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine starting a charity—let alone reaching its fourth year.

For me, grief is an overwhelming amount of love that feels trapped inside, waiting to be expressed. Over the years, I’ve had to find ways to channel that love. This blog was one outlet, Zade’s Christmas Drive was another, and so was purchasing Zade’s memorial bench. These efforts, among many others, have helped me process and honor his memory.

It’s honestly just wild to me to reflect on how much I’ve grown through this journey. Zade has taught me so much about love—what it truly means to love a child, to act with intention, and to recognize my own strength. He’s shown me that even a small shift in mindset can lead to creating new paths.

Each Christmas Drive has been both heartwarming and emotional. I still can’t fully comprehend that my baby boy passed away, AND I’m amazed at the impact his life and legacy continue to have. The countless smiles his drive has brought to children’s faces are absolutely priceless.

This year, inspired by his little sister Nora, we introduced a ‘Baby Edition’ for Zade’s Christmas Drive. We collected diapers, formula, wipes, toys, and other essentials. It felt deeply meaningful to honor Zade while incorporating Nora into this tradition—a beautiful way to connect them as siblings and share their stories with the world.

I hope to continue building a legacy for Zade, to honor him with all the love I have for him. My love for him is beyond anything I thought possible. I just want to make him proud. 

Here’s to year four of Zade’s Christmas Drive and to the many smiles still to come!