An Angel needs your help

“You taught me everything and everything you’ve given me… “truer words were never spoken when I think of my mother. My mother, Maekathryn Smith is “…the driving force in my life”. Ironically, this understatement is one example of the love she has for her children and all the people to whom she is near and dear.

 

Maekathryn Smith is the embodiment of love and I have had the privilege of being part of her life. Anyone who knows her knows of her commitment to God and family.

 

In September of this year, Mom had an extreme brush with death. It was merely by God’s grace and a lot of prayer, that she has made great strides toward recovery. In the past 3+ months, Mom has struggled with recovering from oxygen deprivation to her brain as well as extreme physical trauma. We give praise for the successes she increasingly enjoys each day with the simple things we take for granted. For Mom it is a challenge to communicate and to travel across a room or building.

 

You’re reading this because Mom is recently struck with yet another challenge. Complications with the care facilities, the insurance company and medical providers have created a financial burden for which we seek your help. Mom is still in need of a substantial measure of physical therapy and the need for a facility equipped to manage and maintain her physical needs. We have found a facility with the necessary capability, but it requires a financial commitment that is understandably significant. The period for which it is required is not certain, so we pray for the best results in keeping with our faith and the shared blessing we hope to achieve through this fund-raising venture.

 

Many in our family have shared their love and concern for Mom. Her oldest, Ginger, shares, “Maekathryn Smith "Auntie Mae" is and has been our Angel for as far back as we all can remember. She has nursed so many of us back to health even while working nights. Now, our Angel needs our help to restore her back to health, because her insurance, unfortunately, won't cover all her medical costs.”

 

Adding to this, her daughter, Bernice adds, Mom has been available to others in both profession and personally through the years with no monetary gain for members of our family as well as close friends for years after she retired from nursing. Most of those people she nursed until they left this earth; and if anybody deserves adequate and competent care in their later years of life, that would be Maekathryn. Bernice thanks you for your help. She as all of us, really appreciate your thoughts prayers and any financial assistance you may offer. There are a lot of our family members that mom has helped, it’s just who she is. Now is an opportunity for others to rise to the challenge to offer her support through any available means – be it continued prayer, assistance any other method(s).

 

Maekathryn’s youngest daughter, Marian reminds us that Mom was a young mother with the strength and fortitude to raise 6 children. Marian shared, “Mom is one of the most giving people I know. She will give you her "last." I've seen her do it on many occasions. Mom has always been extremely selfless. I believe she learned this by the example of her mother, my grandmother, Zephia Maekathryn Smith. What an awesome example of giving they have been to me. I thank God every day for my mother; she's the best.

2021 has been a most difficult year for Mom and us all. In addition to Mom’s health, we suffered the loss of her oldest son, Michael (pictured here with his twin sister, Marian). The tragedy of our loss is immeasurable. Mom demonstrated her strength throughout this year and all its heartache. She continues to share her strength with all who were affected so tremendously with our loss of Michael.

 

I am most thankful that God did not compound our loss by taking Mom at this time. What we have is an opportunity to is take advantage of the time we have with Mom to demonstrate our love and commitment to her as she has for us for so many years. No one I know better personifies the essence of love and giving as my mother. I ask that you continue your most committed prayer and strength toward the recovery of Maekathryn Smith. I ask if you can contribute to our financial goal that you do so with all you can.

I think of what the Bible says about a mother who lives in the word and walks with Christ, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – (Proverbs 31:25-28). These words best describe the mother I know and love with all my heart.