In early September we realized my pregnancy would not go as Brian and I had planned. I was admitted into UAB’s high-risk pregnancy facility on October 5, 2010. A few weeks later God blessed us with a sweet baby boy. He fought to breathe right away. The doctor’s kept referring to him as their rock star; I called him “my little miracle”. As the days passed by we realized that even though Brooks was a thriving little boy, he would remain in the hospital for several months. His condition had recently improved tremendously and we began preparations to bring him home. We are completely devastated at the loss of our sweet baby boy, Brooks Kelsey Smith. He lived for 6 months and 16 days.
My favorite memory of Brooks was sitting in the room with Ashley and Brooks while Ashley sang songs in “Brooks’ voice” about the day’s events.
I will love you always, Aunt Mimi
My memory was coming in saying “Brooks, Nana loves you!” Then his mouth would fly open with a smile and I would give him kisses all over.
I Love you, Nana
I have so many wonderful thoughts of my little man! The first thought that comes to mind was when he was just a few hours old. I was talking to him and rubbing his hand. When he grasped my finger, my heart melted.
Love you, Aunt Karri
On April 29th I got to stay with Brooks all day. He was in a playful mood smiling with his mouth wide open, dimpled cheeks, and big blue eyes shining. I talked to him and we played most of the day. With a tummy full and tired from playing, I placed Brooks in his bed fast asleep. I began folding and putting away his clothes and blankets. A few minutes went by, I looked up to check on Brooks. He was lying still with one blue eye peeped open. The little rascal was watching me! We called him Popeye!
Love- Aunt Brandi
I stayed with Brooks when he was just 6 days old. I said, “Aunt Sarah loves you”, and he opened his eyes. It was the first time I saw his blue eyes. Love you, Aunt Sarah
My favorite memory of Brooks was our late night and early morning feeds. We would rock and talk. Brooks would always smile and try to talk back. That precious smile will be in my heart forever. Brooks, it was an honor to be your nurse/weekend mommy.
Love you always, Lauren
My favorite memory of Brooks was holding him in my lap, while sitting on my knee dancing to his ipod radio. He would smile and play with his hands. He will always be in my heart. I love you Brooks!
Love always, your favorite Respiratory Therapist, Alisha
From the day Brooks was born he became a part of our family. Every time we visited his room we could see the beautiful bond between Brian, Ashley and baby Brooks. Brooks became and will always be part of our family with a special place in our hearts. His smile and personality was a special gift from God that captured your heart.
Love always, Granny and Papa (Kenny & Rhonda)
Brooks was always happy. No matter what he had to endure or how much poking and prodding, he never complained. We hope to be able to honor his memory by being able to think twice before we complain about anything trivial again. Love, Pop and Gigi
I will cherish everyday that I spent with him. From the moment Brian and I found out that we were having a baby we started to change as individuals. We felt a love that you can’t possibly feel until you become a parent. There was no prouder father than Brian. Brooks soften his heart and Brian will never be the same. They had a very special bond. I bought a book entitled “I Love You Daddy”, I read it to him many times and Brian did also. The book is about a little bear cub trying o make his father proud. Brooks started doing the same things with Brian. When I held him we snuggled. When Brian walked into the room Brooks would immediately change. When Brian picked him up to hold him Brooks acted like a “big boy”! He did not want Brian to snuggle and pat him the way that I did; He wanted to sit up in Daddy’s lap. He would whine a bit if Brian tried to help him and then as soon as Brian just let him sit there, he would sit up on his own and begin to play with Daddy. Then after playing for a while they would drift off to sleep.
I have so many memories with Brooks. He was a fighter from the beginning and he never complained. He was the happiest little boy. Many of the doctors and nurses would tell me that he had such a sweet personality. On his last day as Dr. Randolph made his rounds in the morning, his comment was that Brooks was their most interactive baby. When someone spoke to him he would light up, smiling flashing his bright blue eyes and his sweet dimples. I would spend hours during the day talking to him. He carried on a conversation with me by grunting, nodding his head and talking with his hands. He had recently learned some new tricks. He started teething which led to him finding his tongue. The day he found it, his tongue was out all day. Brooks responded to a comment my sister Brandi made to him by sighing, rolling his eyes and turning his head away from her!
Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Brooks was and will always be the love of our life. He blessed us in a way that no one else could. He was a gift from God and I know that he is in heaven, laughing, grunting, and filling everyone up there with joy. If someone would have told me that all of these events would occur and would I do again, I would because I do not regret one day with Brooks. He has stolen my heart and changed my life for the better.
We love you always, Mommy and Daddy
