Luke Zech Heads Home
By Tim Zech
New Year’s Day is usually a joyous occasion, a time of wondering of what the new year might bring.
The first day of 2016 brought some life changing events for one 18-year-old Jasper County resident, Luke Zech. Luke fell from a backyard pine tree while climbing with some friends. Luke is usually climbing trees to sit in a deer stand, but this time he was not hunting; it was just for fun. The fun was over when a limb broke and Luke fell 15 feet, breaking his back.
Luke was able to stay conscious throughout the initial ordeal, and after an emergency response from the Jasper County EMS and his first life-flight helicopter ride, he found himself in Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta. After two back surgeries and 22 days in the Grady Intensive Care Unit he was released to the Shepherd Spinal Center for rehabilitation.
Now after more than a month at the Shepherd Spinal Center (the best spinal rehabilitation center in the country) Luke is ready to be back home in Jasper County.
Who knew that this year would hold so many changes for our family? Change and tragic events can come so quickly that at times they seem unreal. It makes one take stock of life and relationships. It also lets you find out what friends and neighbors will do for you when needed.
After more than 40 friends and family showed up at the emergency room, we knew that we were not going to be alone through this situation. It means more than words can express to have people lifting you up in times when you are so concerned with events that are out of your control. Countless prayers have been lifted on Luke’s behalf and for our family.
We were provided with so much food at the hospital we finally had to start giving some to the nurses and other patients. A family friend provided a newly furnished apartment for us in midtown…free of charge. For these things we are eternally grateful.
Many of the Jasper County folks got to meet Luke while he was at Jasper County High School, or while he was working at Monticello Farm and Garden and Ingles. Many of you know that Luke has a strong faith. Luke is saved by grace and professed his faith and forgiveness in Jesus Christ again while still under the tree, in so much pain that he felt like he would surely pass from this world.
Hours later, before his first surgery, he proclaimed that he would “Praise the Lord if I am healed and Praise the Lord if I am not.” As a believer, he has made an impact on people that he would have never met without such circumstances. The Lord knows what He is doing, even in circumstances we don’t understand. We would be pleased to share some of those stories when we see you next. Luke has stated that all of these events have made him a better man.
As Luke prepares to return home on March 9, we know some things will be different. Luke still does not have feeling below the waist, and there is no specific prognosis for that portion of his recovery. His mobility, schooling, work and play may be a little different than before, but he will still do all of those things and be able to live a full life of service to God and others. We also know that his spirit has recovered and that is equally important.
Many have asked what can they do for Luke and our family. Your continued prayers are appreciated. Pray that Luke would be whole in Jesus first, and that his physical needs would be met. We have had and will continue to have medical and remodeling expenses to accommodate his injury. Luke plans to get back to college and earn a degree.
If you should feel led to donate anything, some of Luke’s friends set up an account called “Luke Love Fund” at the Hamilton State Bank to handle monetary donations. (Hamilton State Bank, 208 East Greene Street, P. O. Box 31, Monticello GA 31064)
We owe a debt of gratitude to so many that have helped us get started along this new path. We would like to say a special thank you to all of you that have travelled to Atlanta to meet, pray, supply and encourage Luke and the rest of us. Our church family and other families have helped us above and beyond a normal call. Luke and the rest of us look forward to seeing all of you around the community again soon. God bless.
