I am a strong believer in the saying “Everything happens for a reason.” I believe that God has a plan for me and my life and I put my trust in him as much as I possibly can. But it is heart wrenching situations that test me and challenge me.

Recently, God has thrown another test towards me and the people of the community and to dear people that I care about. Recently, Mark Smith, a loving member of the Minooka Community was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his brain.

The Smith family has made such a positive impact in my life and it breaks my heart to see them go through this situation, but through all of this they have reacted with grace and love. My heart is overwhelmed with the amount of love and support from the community because I do not know a more deserving family.

I met Mark Smith through his brother Jake. Being around the Smiths was always fun and exciting. They had positive attitudes and radiated good energy. I was just a sophomore in high school, but I could tell that they were great people. Jess Smith was and is one of the most admirable people I have met. I went into the career center where she worked every resource to do my homework, but mostly hang out with her. She is hilarious and fun and we got along really well. Mark would pop in occasionally and I remember envying their relationship and love. I remember when I found out she was pregnant with Cora. I accidentally found out but I was so excited for them. They were blessed with an amazing little girl who is just as lovely as her parents.

As I grew through high school we always kept contact mostly through Jake. I was around the Smith's throughout high school but they remained just as amazing as they were the first day that I met them. Christi Smith, his mom, I was also around a lot. We have shared a lot of laughs (mostly at Jake), but she is a wonderful human being as well. Hard-working and loving of her children. The other members of the Smiths, Drew and Dionne, I was never around much. I had only met them once, but they seemed pretty great too.

The Channahon, Shorewood & Minooka community never ceases to amaze me in times of heartache. The community has shown endless love and support for this amazing family that deserves the world. We are a strong community and I feel blessed to be a part of it.

To the Smiths—I hope for nothing but the best for you guys and I think of you every single day. You are always in my prayers & I know that God has heard us all. Love you all.

If you are interested in helping to support this amazing family you can follow their the link below:

https://www.gofundme.com/264wgyws