Obituary of Hayden Smith

Hayden Smith passed on April 30, 2014. I was asked to write this obituary for this beloved family. Obituaries are written to celebrate the life of one that has passed. This is written to celebrate the power of love a family shared with each other. Hayden Smith, born May 7, 1993 joined his mother Lynlee, father Lee, brothers Dalton & Cortland for what most of us would call a normal life filled with hopes and dreams. Four months into this world…this angel and family were dealt a blow that would easily devastate the hardiest of families. A routine medical procedure went all too wrong. Left profoundly disabled, unable to walk, talk or share in the daily rituals of life, a family could easily be unable to move forward. This family had something going for it. A family soul. Unified and bound by the love they have for each other and the love of Hayden to his new found parents and brothers. For 21 years the Smith family loved and nurtured their son and brother Hayden. And yes indeed, Hayden nurtured his family too. Were there bad days along with the good, without a doubt. Love kept this family moving forward. Love bound this family. Love watched over this family. I have been truly blessed to know Hayden, Lynlee, Lee, Dalton & Cortland. For never have I witnessed so much faith, strength, and that elusive gift that is so rare, the LOVE of a family. Hayden is survived by parents Lynlee and Lee Smith and brothers Dalton and Cortland Smith, nephew Sterling Smith, all of Boise. Grandmother Marsha Dickey, Grandmother Sue Dengler, Grandfather Jack Smith, Uncles Mark Smith and Scot Smith, Cousins Olivia Smith and Jules Smith, Great Aunt Carol Ann Shepherd and Aunt Shawn Foyt. Step Grandmothers Collett Olson and Judy Voth. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Hayden's medical team: Shirley Randolph (PT extraordinaire), Dr. Mike Nichols, Dr. Bruce Cherny, Dr. Gary Ceislak, Dr. David Hightower, Dr. Eric Rich, and Dr. William Dittrich. Thanks to nurses Leslie Bishop, Taylor Stanley, and Audrey Hopkins and special thanks to nurse Jaymie Rhodes, who stuck with us over the long haul. Private family service will be held for Hayden Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family offers an opportunity to donate to the Hayden Smith Memorial Fund held at Idaho Central Credit Union at 6707 Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83705. Flowers can be sent to Summers Funeral Home at 1205 W. Bannock St. Boise, ID 83702.