12 Comments
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Neil Douthat's avatar

Wow, Melanie! Beautifully written and inspiring content. Congratulations to Zane - and to you and Zac. I’m happy for all of you for what the future may bring.

Melanie Sturm's avatar

Many thanks Neil! We are also excited — and a bit trepidatious — for the future too! Thanks for your kind feedback and your best wishes.

Laura Cutler's avatar

Melanie, this is so beautiful and important. Your best work yet! Amazing!

Melanie Sturm's avatar

And our conversation last night helped me put some finishing touches on it! Your story is emblematic of the difference good parents can make. Thank you!

Zeev Priester's avatar

Hello Melanie Zack and Zane.

I was so moved to read the article that describes the long journey you and Zane have made together with love, consistency and perseverance until reaching your goals while overcoming all the enormous difficulties along the way. I appreciate it very much. Zane is a wonderful boy and you are caring, loving and dedicated parents. I wish Zane success at the Naval Academy and become a wonderful pilot for the United States Army. And I wish you much happiness from this wonderful journey.

With much love

Or, Rony and Zeev

Melanie Sturm's avatar

Thank you Zeev! You’re among a small group who’s known Zane his whole life. You’ve been a steady and important influence on him too, for which we’re grateful. And we look forward to that continuing! Much love! ā¤ļø

Sally Tryon's avatar

Oh, Melanie, Mickey would have been so proud of of you, Zane and your husband. You have a beautiful family and know how proud you are of your son. He has a very bright future and well deserved.

Melanie Sturm's avatar

I'm so grateful you got to read this, knowing my mom since you were toddlers! Yes, she would have been proud, but I'm as proud of her for all her encouragement and positivity -- for me as much as Zane. No one was a better champion of Zane, and though she could be a bit smothering of him, he derived a lot of confidence and character from her. And thank you for staying connected to me, and for your interest in my family! I hope you and yours are well too! 😘

Craig Donahue's avatar

Zane’s story is a true testament to his parents! You two truly were the wind beneath his wings. Not to many people get to live out their dream as Zane is about to. Congratulations Zane wishing you blue skies and tailwinds. Ret AA 777 Capt Craig Donahue

Melanie Sturm's avatar

Wow...thank you for taking a moment to share your beautiful sentiments. Few know Zane as well as Beth, and the Donahue family. We're very fond of you all -- and now your clansmen -- "Fighting Irish!" šŸ˜

I will definitely convey your wishes to Zane. He's currently in Japan with some ND friends. He doesn't know yet that I wrote about him....hope he's ok with it when he finds out!

Ann Mcelhinney's avatar

Wonderful Melanie, thank you for sharing this very special moment in your life as a parent, you should be so proud. Zane got very lucky having you and Zac as his parents. That detail matters a great deal.

William Carroll's avatar

Congrats to Zane for all that he has accomplished. I’m sure he’ll be a great Navy pilot or whatever he decides yo pursue. Nicely written as ususual.