To the Zelden family: I grew up a few blocks from Greg, and I fondly remember riding my bike over to the street where he lived, and enjoyed many countless good times playing ball in that street with Greg and the other neighboring children. As a teen, I continued to "hang out" with he and the other friends I made there. Years passed, and I was lucky enough to be referred to ZPT for myself, then for my daughter, where I was able to catch up with him and he proved to be the wonderful, friendly, funny, smart, personable guy I had remembered him to be. My daughter adored him as her therapist, and later we enjoyed seeing him at all the Mandeville High football games. He always took the time to smile and give her a big bear hug and ask how she (and the rest of the family) were doing. Eventually everyone in our family had the pleasure of having him as our therapist, one by one. I also had the pleasure of taking care of his (then little) daughter on the Peds unit at STPH and was so touched at how concerned he was for her, staying awake all night and not leaving her side when she suffered high fevers all night that night. The love and care he had for his family was so evident. Since then, I had run into him on various occasions, and he always greeted me (or us) with that big smile. I had heard a few years ago he was battling this health crisis. Every time any of us was working hard, pushing ourselves to fight our way back from injuries or surgeries, he was fighting just as hard with us. I know how hard he must've worked in his own fight, because that's just who he is. Sadly, I had not seen him recently, and I am so shocked and devastated to hear of his passing. I am in deep prayer for his family and all who knew him. This community is a better place overall because of all the hard work he has done here, helping others both physically, and as I have heard countless times, other great things he has done outside of PT as well. We all have lost a truly wonderful man and Heaven has gained immensely. I will continue to pray for his beautiful family in the days and weeks to come. May God surround his entire family with all the love, comfort, and protection that only He can provide during this very difficult time.
With love and prayers, Robin (Hanner) Ellender and family