About Us

Our Story

Let me tell you a little about Alec Smith, our precious son we lost on August 2nd, 2021.

I certainly won't do his story justice but I need you to hear it from a dad's perspective.

Alec Jordan Smith was born in Metro Atlanta on May 25th, 1995 to Rob & Kim Smith. He was our second child and 7 years younger than his older brother, Blake.

His mother and I were much more mature this time around, and we knew we were more than ready for this handful to enter the world. It was such an exciting time in our lives, both personally and professionally. Immediately upon his arrival, there was never a dull moment. Alec was a wild and free spirit.

I won't get into all the details, but let's just say it was difficult for his mom and me to spend any time away from home or have a night out for a few years. Alec loved putting on costumes with capes and masks and playing like he was a super hero. He certainly was one to his mother and I.

School didn't come easy for Alec, unlike his brother, but he was a social butterfly and found a way to get good grades with the help a few good tutors.

He was athletic, enjoyed lacrosse, boating, swimming and fishing. He absolutely loved spending time on vacation at our beach condo.

When the time came, off to college he went. He was on the 5 year plan to graduate. What we weren't planning on is where the story get complicated. Alec loved his fraternity, his friends, and the partying that came with the college experience. He worked hard but played even harder. He began experimenting with drugs. Alec found himself craving the high of heroin.

I can tell you, as a father, that hearing that news was so frightening. My Alec, who had watched his much older brother fight some of his own demons, had zero respect for people who used drugs. Now he was now in the biggest fight of his life. I'll never forget our conversation about it. How did this happen? Why? When? What were you thinkin? His answer was simple. "Dad, He said, I thought they all were weak-minded and weak-spirited people who get hooked on drugs. Dad, I was wrong".

I will never forget that moment. I was overcome with emotion. How could I save my son from this death sentence? What did I do wrong by raising him? How did I miss the signs? Did our divorce help cause this? There are so many questions with no answers. It was my job as dad to keep my family safe and secure. The regret and disappointment still lingers today.

The last years of Alec's life were a whirlwind of peaks and valleys. Within a 3- year period, we were dealt with jail, rehab, car wrecks, probation, near- death experiences and the list goes on. Somehow we all made it through it. Alec was finally getting on with his life. He bought his dream car, a Mercedes, got his own place with a young lady who loved him, and had a fulfilling job and career. He was finally living life and looking forward to the future. His mother and I were so thankful for God's mercy and grace toward Alec. All the tears and prayers were finally working and we felt hope for our boy.

Right past midnight on August 2nd, 2021, Alec ran off the road while driving and crashed into a concrete bridge. I had just spoken to him about 30 minutes earlier and knew he was struggling that night. He made the fatal decision to get high. I knew something was wrong and was tracking his phone. I looked for him all night and the next morning. It wasn't until I picked up his mother, that we found him upside down, still in his car, 17 hours later. There was enough fentanyl in his system to kill an elephant.

Friends I don't have all the answers. It's been a little over 2 years now, and it still seems unreal. There are days I look at his pictures. There are days when someone will reach out who just heard of his passing, and I will be fine with it. Other days, I find myself on my face, relearning how to breath, and praying that God will give me the strength to go forward.

This a difficult journey. It was certainly the hardest thing in my life. No one can take the pain away. With God leading the way and a supportive group of friends and counselors, it does get better, and life does go on but the pain doesn't go away.

Looking back over the year's events, I have a few thoughts I'd like to share: One, get to know your children's friends, make the tough decisions to intervene when you need to. They are who they hang out with. Two, let them know everyday, no matter what, how much they are loved and appreciated and just how proud you are of them. Three, never give up on them. Whether you use easy love or tough love, we tried both. Fourth, and most important to Kim and me, never stop dropping to your knees and talking to God about it. All of it. The good, bad and the ugly. Keep the faith, ask Him to save your child or friend, and never stop believing in the power of prayer to heal your Alec.

My Alec was finally healed on the other side, where he resides with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the 26 years Alec was here. He was hard headed and head strong, but pure joy. I couldn't be any more proud to be his dad and friend. He is missed terribly. Our hopes are that this new foundation will keep his memory and name alive till me meet again.

Thanks for listening. We are here to serve you on your journey.