Over 15 years ago, I met an incredible man named Dan. I fell in love with him almost immediately. As if that wasn't enough of a package, he came with an adorable miniature version of himself, named Zach, and the two of them took over my heart. I didn't realize that my life had been missing anything up until that point, but the sense of absolute completeness that they brought me made it very clear that I had indeed had a void. The three of us were an instant family. Without question or hesitation. And as the years passed, we only grew closer and more connected. We started referring to ourselves as a team. Team Finn we would say. And like any good team, we all had our positions and we always had each other's backs. Always. Our little team/family was perfect. We loved and supported one another through everything, and like any good team, we started making plans for our future. One of those plans was to build a stage rally car. Dan would be the driver, Zach, the co-driver. And me, I was to be the team manager, part time crew chief, and head cheerleader.
As Zach grew older, started driving, and bought his first Subaru, this dream suddenly became more and more real. And in June of 2012, when he graduated from high school, it became even more real. He could go to college anywhere, so we could travel to races without risking his education.
It all seemed so perfect.
Until August 3, 2012.
That evening, while driving with his friends to a car event, Zach was involved in an accident. His two friends walked away. Unfortunately, he did not. On August 4, 2012, he passed away from his injuries.
Team Finn was changed forever.
Dan & I had lost our son, and our way. Life no longer had any meaning. For months, we floated along, not caring about anything. Our passion for cars was still there, but after what happened, it was greatly diminished and we thought Team Finn's dreams were over for good.
But as he always was in life, Zachary was once again our inspiration.
We knew that even though we didn't care if we went on, that it would matter to our son. We channeled his positive attitude and zest for life and we struggled to find our way on this new path. We made friends with a local rally team, and volunteered with them at a stage rally event. We also entered local rally cross competitions and found some happiness once again behind the wheel. We started slowly building the car more and more for rally, and decided that Team Finn would carry on in Zach's memory. That even though I will be taking his place in the passenger seat, he will ALWAYS be our co-driver. He rides with us in spirit, and in our hearts.
When Zach was in high school, he designed a logo for our team. A family crest of sorts.
We now rock this logo on all of our vehicles, among other things. It is a symbol that represents not just our family, but a passion and love for life that was Zachary's legacy. Team Finn lives on in Dan and I every single day. The lessons our son taught, and continues to teach us, give us the strength and guidance we need to continue to pursue our dream.
Since Zach's passing, we have received support and love from many unexpected places, and one of those is the car community. From friends and loved ones, to strangers who never got the chance to meet our son, we have seen compassion and sympathy. Many people have asked us for Team Finn stickers since we started doing this, and we are beyond touched by the gesture. To see this logo on cars, helmets and more reminds us that Team Finn is still here and still going strong. It reaffirms that we made the right choice to continue on in our son's memory. But more than anything it makes us love and appreciate those of you supporting us in our dream, and cheering us on. We know Zach is smiling down on each and every one of you...
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