Zachary Seidel

Our Little Hero

Zach is a happy little guy, nine going on ten and a joy to be around. He likes to talk constantly, likes to ask questions, and he tells us everything that is on his young mind. He was brought up with Bob the Builder and loves anything that pertains to building. As we drive down a highway, he can tell us the name of each piece of construction equipment he sees. After reading a book on builders one day, Zach entered the net through Goggle for Kids. He wanted to see big buildings, bridges, and tunnels being built. Therefore, we scanned through a lot of interesting information and finally they displayed a game for him to enter. A game that tested his mind for the strength and the advantage needed to keep buildings and projects strong, upright, and free from future damage. He quickly learned how to maneuver the blocks and the advantage and was fascinated that he knew what was needed to accomplish this task. One of the TV programs he likes to watch is the "Yankee Builder."

Zach has a box of K'Nex (a building system for kids using snap-together rods and connectors). It comes with easy to follow instructions but Zach likes to design his own pieces. He makes carts that can roll across the floor, he makes power stations, and he likes to erect pulleys. One day he build a city and an airport out of Lincoln Logs with the help of his older brother and after demanding power lines to run through his city, he and Jeff found yarn from Grandma's sew box that did the job. Around the Christmas holidays, he took small snapshots of family, taken from the Christmas cards, and he made a frame for each one, using the K'Nex, a frame that would stand on its own for each picture and he placed them in the living room.

Zach also has a love for trains and has quite a collection. As we were leafing through a large hardbound book from National Geographic that contains a complete history of trains and the steam engines at his home one day, he was explaining how those steam engines work in very detailed steps. He surprises us with all that he knows and especially the type of programs he likes to watch on TV. We were watching an Under Water Program when his little mind takes off and goes on and on, telling us facts about the corals and sponges that grow and exist under the water before the narrator even mentions them on his program.

Zach has a difficult time climbing steps - getting on and off the school bus, or anywhere - and he has a hard time keeping up with the other kids when it comes to walking or running.

We see his struggles, his falls, and his inability to walk any distance. One of his teacher's husband made him a stepstool to enter the school bus to help Zach retain his dignity. He can walk short distances and loves swimming. He has a cardiologist, a physical therapist, and is on some meds. These meds increase his appetite and Zach "loves to eat" (he will tell you mac and cheese is his favorite) Karen and Greg try to give him healthy snacks but he is only nine going on ten. His doctor encouraged his parents to contact "Make a Wish Foundation" now while he is still walking, so next spring the family is planning a trip to Disneyland.