URGENT UPDATE: Families across the country are gathering for Thanksgiving, but for the Smith family in Redding, California, this holiday carries profound heartache. They are facing their first Thanksgiving without Susan “Suzie” Smith, the beloved medical flight nurse who tragically died after a helicopter crash on Highway 50 last month.
Just days ago, on November 26, 2023, her son, Gabriel Smith, shared the emotional weight this season carries. “We are holding up the best we can right now,” he stated, reflecting on the deep loss felt at a table once vibrant with her presence. “My mom prepared us for a lot for this,” Gabriel added, recalling cherished memories of dancing with her at Disneyland.
The absences felt during this Thanksgiving were palpable. “She was always quiet but loud at just the right moment,” Gabriel reminisced, highlighting a tradition of playful food tossing that reminded everyone of Suzie’s joyful spirit. “There were Hawaiian rolls flying down the table this year as well,” he said, a bittersweet nod to their shared memories.
As first responders, many family members gathered to honor Suzie’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of family ties during this painful time. Gabriel noted that while they were all hurting, they found strength in each other. “We were all hurting, but they all stepped up to make sure we felt like there was still family there,” he said.
To preserve Suzie’s mission of compassion and mentorship, the Smith family recently launched the Our Angel That Flies Foundation. The foundation aims to provide medical trips to Central America, following in Suzie’s footsteps, and establish scholarships for aspiring nurses. Gabriel emphasized her passion for mentoring young women: “She had a passion for, as she put it, mentoring the young bloods.”
In this moment of grief, Gabriel urges everyone to prioritize connection. “At any moment, life can be cut short, so don’t wait to have that hard conversation. Don’t wait to say I’m sorry,” he advised. His poignant message is clear: “Don’t wait to tell somebody that you love them because you never know when the last time’s going to be.”
The Smith family’s commitment to supporting others during this holiday season extends beyond their own grief. “If you have extra, reach out to a neighbor that might be lonely, be that family for them,” Gabriel implored, a reminder of the importance of community.
As the family navigates their first holiday without Suzie, they cling tightly to her memory and the love she fostered. The Our Angel That Flies Foundation is now accepting donations to support its mission and honor Suzie’s legacy. For those wishing to contribute, click here to donate and view their mission.
This Thanksgiving, while the Smith family mourns, they also celebrate the legacy of love and connection that Suzie instilled in them, reminding us all of the crucial importance of reaching out to loved ones and cherishing every moment.
