Kelly Smith

My mom always made sure to find a way to provide me with everything I asked for, and the best that existed. She did my laundry, cooked me 3 meals, my favorites, every night. My mom welcomed my guests into her home and treated them as family, even when she knew their intentions were to harm us. She kept a watchful eye. My mom has had nothing her whole life to make sure that others had everything. She didn't even have to tell us she went to California to make things better for suffering strangers. Sadly, as usual, including myself, nobody ever had her back or looked out for her... Because she was supposed to be smart and strong and do everything alone. My mother was an amazing person who did more for people who hated and even physically hurt her than she ever did for herself. I get angry at myself now every time I think of a good memory that was left to be her burden, that we didn't even thank her for. I don't know what her favorite color was, or her favorite food, or much else aside from no matter how tumultuous family life could get, that mom made everything OK. Until this week, I thought that was everything she was. Now, after she sacrificed her life for people who probably knew more about her than me, I feel like I have to claim her body, give her a proper memorial, and do right by all the people who loved and who appreciated her. I have to figure out how to survive without being given everything mom worked 3 jobs for then volunteered to try to help improve any situation she could for others who may be she felt were more deserving.