Bailey’s Story
On Aug. 7, 2019 Bailey passed away suddenly. Really no words can explain what this loss has meant or done to our family.
But that terrible night of Aug. 7, 2019 we were in Bailey’s bedroom and found this sign sitting on her shelf. We had never seen this sign before. I did buy this blank changeable sign for Bailey just the week before – she begged to have it. I didn’t think any more about it until we saw it. This sign could have said “F*&K YOU” or “I love ….” Or any other random thought from a 15 year old kid.
We interpreted that this was a sign to us, this physical sign from Bailey that she left for us – telling us that she was near, and this was her hope and direction for us to move forward. So that night “Always Smile” was formed. We didn’t know what to do with this, but over the years since then we have been surrounded by a caring community near and far that pushes us to continue our work of spreading mental health awareness, kindness, hope, and vulnerability to others, mainly youth in school or sports – this action impacts them, supports them and makes them feel like they are part of something greater than themselves.
