Monday, May 12, 2008
ann marie

Mallory, thank you for being there for Alex.  The fact that you took the time to keep us all updated on Alex, while being ill yourself, is so amazing.  Alex was loved by so many.  I know we all hold you in our prayers.  Thank you for being our link.

Ann Marie



ann marie


   
Monday, May 12, 2008
Hillary
I just wanted to thank you so much for all the post on Alex.  If it was not for your journal I would not have known what was going on with him.  Your last post on Alex was beautiful and I am glad you got to know him too.  Thank you so much for your updates.  


   
Monday, May 12, 2008
Lisa Lawrence

Mallory your post brought me to tears.  Tears of joy because you are still with us and Alex is now with our wonderful and awesome God and feels no pain.  Alex was a treasure that we all were able to share and his life was an inspiration.  Your words were eloquent and your faith in God is amazing for someone your age.  No one knows what God"s plan is for us but we should all make the most of each day and I think Alex did just that.  You were angels to each other and were connected in a way that none of else will ever know.

God bless Alex and Mallory, friends forever.

 



Lisa Lawrence


   
Monday, May 12, 2008
Heather Weaver

Mallory,

    I am Alex"s cousin from Michigan. We go to the beach every summer and I was in Atlanta last weekend. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so special to Alex. I know how very much you meant to him and how special you made him feel. Your last journal entry is right on and I believe he was very excited to take this journey. I was sleeping at the hotel when Alex passed, but they say he had a beautiful smile on his face. He waited for everyone to get there and allowed all of us some moments with him, saying the things we wanted to say. Take care and I will think of you often.

Love, Heather




   
Monday, May 12, 2008
dee
What a beautiful testimonial!  Alex touched the lives of so many people...many who never met him.  Thank you for sharing!

dee


   
Monday, May 12, 2008
Lauren
Mallory, What a wonderful post. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much Alex meant to you and your family. I, however, am grateful that he does not have to suffer here any longer. Alex was lucky to have a friend like you. A friend so compassionate, faithful, and wise beyond her years. I"m sure you touched him just as much as he touched you. Take care and I hope to see you soon. Please let me know if there is anything I can do... you know where to find me. Love, Lauren.


   
Monday, May 12, 2008
Dana & Greg Wigley

Hey Mallory,

I just read your post and as I sit here with tears in my eyes it and I am humbled to be able to know you and your love for our Lord! Your spirit is way older than your years..you are such an amazing young lady and we are so very blessed to know you and your family. Your Mom and Dad are our very good friends and we know where you get your amazing strength and your love for people in knowing them.

We pray for you daily and are so sad that Alex has left this earth but we can rejoice in the fact the he is with our maker and in a whole body without any pain or disease. You were a good friend to him and know that you were with him at his lowest point in life. He is in a better place now but it does not keep all who knew and loved him from being sad and devastated. Just keep remembering the good things about him and he will be a part of your hearts forever.

We are so happy you are doing so well. Keep up the good work and think of all the lives you have touched.

We love you and Lisa, hope you had a great Mother"s Day!!

 

 

 

 

 




   
Monday, May 12, 2008
Steven Wagner
I spent a few minutes tonight googling Alex"s name I guess with the hope that I could find a few pictures of him looking like I recall (and I did).  I was not surprised to find articles on him being named The Best Teen Chef in 2006 nor was I surprised to see an article from Georgia Magazine saying he was one of five finalists for best original recipe in 2006 (over 100 people sent them in).  As well as I knew Alex, I feel like there was still so much to learn.  Such a nice and humble spirit, only once did he tell me he had won an award and even then he didn"t go into much detail.
 
Your post was wonderful and I really cannot put words to how impressed I always am when you speak from your heart.  I was driving home tonight thinking about Alex and God and whatnot and I kept thinking of something that was so very hard to accept but I believe is the truth.  In this life, I believe that God puts some people here for what they will mean to other people rather than for what they will accomplish in their own lives.  I guess the reason I dislike that idea so much is because at its core it seems so unfair to that person.  But then again, if that person "gets it" then they experience great joy in accomplishing God"s work.  Jesus is the obvious greatest example of this concept, but Alex is a marvelous one as well.  I don"t know if God"s plan for Alex included only 21 years or not.  I don"t believe that God places anyone here simply to cut their lives short through horrible illnesses, I believe that is a product of a fallen world and the efforts of Satan to constantly remove God from the equation.  But I do believe that God can pull out wonders even through the horrible.  And Alex was someone who really embraced his role of being a blessing to others and I believe God has done great works that will be seen far beyond 21 years through the impact Alex had on others and what those others will do with the impression he so graciously left us.  So the challenge now is not what did Alex accomplish but, instead, it is what will we accomplish because of Alex
 
I couldn"t help but think of a song that I have listened to time and time again when I got the news this morning that Alex had passed away.  I don"t wish to bore anyone but I do believe these lyrics are quite good and I think they encompass Alex and Mallory"s personalities and their impact on others.  So here are the lyrics of David Crowder"s song "Surely We Can Change"
--------
And the problem is this
We were bought with a kiss
But the cheek still turned
Even when it wasn"t hit
And I don"t know
What to do with a love like that
And I don"t know
How to be a love like that
 
When all the love in the world is right here among us
And hatred too
And so we must choose
What our hands will do
 
Where there is pain
Let there be grace
Where there is suffering
Bring serenity
For those afraid
help them be brave
Where there is misery
Bring expectancy
And surely we can change
Surely we can change
Something
 
And the problem it seems
Is with you and me
Not the Love who came
To repair everything
And I don"t know
What to do with a love like that
And I don"t know
How to be a love like that
 
When all the love in the world
Is right here among us
And hatred too
And so we must choose
What our hands will do
 
Where there is pain
Let there be grace
Where there is suffering
Bring serenity
For those afraid
Help them be brave
Where there is misery
Bring expectancy
And surely we can change
Surely we can change
Something
 
Oh, the world"s about to change
The whole world"s about to change
The whole world"s about to change
----------
Thanks for letting me ramble.  It is a time like this when there is so little to be said but so much wanting to spill out that opening our mouths can be like opening our hearts and what pours out may make little sense with logic but is much blessed and loved by the Lord.
 
Truly you and your family have been a wonderful addition to my life and to those around you.  Somehow you, like Alex, have understood how to "be a love like that" and it is such a challenge and inspiration to me that I can honestly say that I am a better person for having known him and for knowing you.  Because of you, Alex, and my Savior, I agree - the whole world"s about to change.
 
Love,
Steven Wagner

 

 




   
Sunday, May 11, 2008

Hey Mallory, I"m so sad to hear about Alex.  I had never met him but because of you and your mom"s posts about him, I feel like I have known him.  I know he felt so blessed to have the Smith family a part of his life.

Its good to hear that you are doing good now.  Just try to stay strong & up beat.

Lisa, Happy Mother"s Day!!

 

Love, Lawanda




   
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Courtney

Mallory,

    I just wanted to let you know that your post about Alex today was so touching. As I was reading it, I just kept thinking about how your words could comfort others as well as how true they are. I think that your post can help bring peace to those who don"t have any right now. I keep praying for everyone"s comfort in this situation, as I know that Alex is is Heaven now.

                          God bless,

                                     courtney c.




   
Sunday, May 11, 2008

God bless you Mal.  You really need to start writing your own book because your faith and spirit are amazing.  I"m so happy that Alex can be at peace and based on all your miracles, I know you will hear from him in some way as time goes on.  Some people come into your life for just a season, some for a reason, and some for alifetime.

Alex brought memories that will last forever for you and I know you brought him so many smiles.  We love you Mal and just continue to be in awe of your faith and courage.

Love the Macs   




   
Sunday, May 11, 2008

Dear Miss Mallory,

Alex was lucky to have a friend like you...You are quite an inspiration in so very many ways.

xox,

Dr. J




   
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Maw Maw
Mallory,  I just finished reading your post.  I must say I am so proud of you and your faith in God.  You are an extremly young lady and far past your years of knowledge.  Thank you for being my granddaughter.  I have just had a real good cry.  Both Robert and I are so touched by your testimony.  My My  what a wonderful young lady you are.  God know He has an Angel in Miss Mallory..  I am honored totell everyone about my SPECIAL MISS MALLORY......I love you dearly and will be seeing you on the 28th.  I"ll bring my paints and check out your sewing machine.  All our love and prayers to all of you and all of Alex"s friends and family.  We know he is in a much better place than we are in this sinful world.  God Bless You Little Angel.  Maw Maw


   
Sunday, May 11, 2008
RHONDA PUTNAM

Hey Lisa! Happy Mother"s Day!!!!!




   
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Spence family

     Mallory- Just a note to say we love you, to wish your Mom a happy Mothers Day  and o give our love to Alex.  Jessica has been following you and he from Athens, you are both in her prayer circle , with many kids praying. We are so moved by Alex. We feel we know him through your journal. I will always keep him and his family in my heart and prayers - and don"t think I will ever go to the beach without a thought of him. I think how could I ever get through a journey like that, but I am sure that our loving God gives each Grace according to their needs. I"m sure Alex and his family are loving examples of that Grace.  I once heard in a Biblr study how hard it is to comprehend why some suffer so . It was comforting to hear that when we sit with the saints, and the angles this will be only one moment of eternity- We"ll say   Thats it? That"s all I had to do for this great reward ? We love you all and check on you daily.  See you soon    Blessings 



Spence family


   
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Chris and Amber Dickson

Hey Mal!!

We are glad to hear that everything is getting better!!

Tell Alex that we are praying for him as well and we hope he gets better soon!!

We love you!!



Chris and Amber Dickson


   
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Dee

Hi, Alex!

Have been reading about you and your bravery.  What an inspiration you are to everyone!  God has a plan for everyone.  He has a special plan just for you.  Everyone I know who is part of a prayer chain throughout the US, has you and Mallory on their chains.  Happy Birthday!!



Dee


   
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Julia Best Dipiero
Hello Mallory, I am one of Alex"s friends. Please let Alex know how much he is loved by me and as you can read from the others, everyone else. He always made me smile even when I felt I didn"t have it in me. I will never foget the great times we all had at Rever......back when we were all young and the world didn"t seem so crazy. I will be praying for you both everyday. You sound like and amazing person and I am glad that you are there with him even though I would love to be. Much love, Julia Best DiPiero

Julia Best Dipiero


   
Friday, May 9, 2008
Kelly Johnson

Mallory,

I just wanted to let you know that you and Alex are my heros!  I  cannot begin to imagine all the things that two have had to go through this past year alone.  I praise the both of you for being so strong, and positive through out it all.  I don"t know if I could have done the same.  The both of you have changed my out look on life and various other things.  The three separate times I have gotten my license renewed, I have told them that I did not want to be an organ donor.  For some reason the thought just scared me.  Now I"m going to change that.  I"m not going to be selfish anymore.  Also, our ship is hosting a bone marrow drive, and I am also going to participate in that.  I want to be able to help people.

I started reading your post a couple weeks ago when I found out that Alex was back in the hospital.  I really appreciate you guys taking the time to update on him as well.  Alex is one of the best friends I have ever had.  He was my first real boyfriend way back in middle school, and even after that we remained best friends throughout high school.  I joined the navy after that and was sent to Italy, and we ended up talking less and less over the years.  I still continue to consider him my best friend. Please keep your eye on him for me.

Thanks again for everything,

Kelly

 

 

 

 



Kelly Johnson


   
Friday, May 9, 2008
Ashley Johnson

Mallory,

My

name is Ashley Johnson. I am a friend of Alex"s. I"m not sure if he has access to a computer or else I"d leave him this message myself on his myspace. Please know that I am praying for the both of you. Alex and I have been friends since I was in 6th grade. I"m 21 now. Of course we"ve lost touch over the years, but we always seem to find our way back. He has the most strength of anyone I know and he does not deserve what he is going through. No one does. Please let him know that I am praying for a miracle to save him. Also, tell him that Ann Marie and Kelly are praying as well. Every time I think of Alex, I think of him playing Crocodile Hunter with my dog Neo. Ask him about it, you"ll get a great laugh. Alex is one of the few of my friends who supported my decision to join the Navy. He took us in on our way to Italy in 2005. Thats the same day that guy shot down all those people in the courtroom and they were all looking for him. Everytime I see Alex, there"s always something I know I"ll remember. He is unforgettable. I wish you both the best with everything. Please be safe. Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson


   
Friday, May 9, 2008
Heather Snyder

Hey Mallory,

So glad that you had such a fabulous day!  :)  That is great news. 

I am so sorry...which are not really the correct words....saddened to hear about Alex.  Please let them know that I, my family, and my church are praying for them.  I know that only God can give Alex what he needs, and it sounds like He is already giving it to him.  He is in my prayers daily, and will continue to be. 

Keep taking great care of yourself, and have a good rest of the day. 

Heather  :) 




   
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Nicole Harper

Mallory, You dont know me but my name is nicole i have been following your story along with alex"s for some time now. I have been a good friend of alex"s since middle school, and while i wish i could be there every second to spend with him, im in florida and thats just not possible. But i want to thank you for being such a great friend to alex. He needs friendship now more than ever. I am constantly praying for both of you, and i will continue to keep up with your progress. Both of you have been through more than any person should have to go through, and i admire you both. Thank you again to you and your family and take care.

Nicole




   
Thursday, May 8, 2008
ann marie (kelly and ashley"s mom)
mallory, i have known alex for a long time now.  i haven"t seen him in a while, or talked to him for a bit, but he is always in my heart.  when kelly and ashley were flying to spain to meet their navy ship, they stayed with alex.  i remember how alex would play "crocodile hunter" with kelly"s dog, neo.  no matter whether it was a healthy time or not, alex was always in such a good mood.  he made us all laugh no matter what kind of mood we may have been in.  it hurts to realize how bad it has gotten.  if any one deserved to have it all turn around and be good, it is alex.  and of course, you.  please let him know how much we all love him and think about him.   ann marie

ann marie (kelly and ashley"s mom)


   
Thursday, May 8, 2008

Mal,

Happy you are doing well.  Praying for you as always and also for Alex.

Derek




   
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Rhonda

Hey sweet angel! I just wanted to let you know that I"m praying constantly for you and your mom right now.

 

Love and prayers,

Rhonda Putnam




   
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Jessica Llewallyn

Hey Mallory, This is Jessica (Kristen"s good friend)...

I just wanted to message you and let you know that you and Alex have been in my heart and prayers constantly and will continue to be. 

Stay strong.....

Love, Jessica Llewallyn




   
Thursday, May 8, 2008

Hey Mal!  So glad to hear that you are doing well!  I am so saddened by the news about Alex.  I cried!  We just don"t understand God"s plan sometimes but there is ultimately a reason for everything.  Such a handsome young man!  God bless him for being so brave.  Praying for peace and comfort for Alex. 

Lisa, I have to do a presentation about Avery"s miracle at a Mother"s Day Banquet tonight.  I am so nervous.  I am afraid that I will get too emotional and my voice will leave me like it has before.  Please say a little prayer for me.

God bless,

Laurie




   
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Jeannie Fuller

Your post brought tears to my eyes.  We are forever changed ...

Jeannie




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Heather (your cousin! )

It is soooo GREAT to hear the good news!! Keep up the great work Mal, and we will keep up the prayers!! Also, praying for Alex... You guys are so awesome for being there for him!

Love you all!

Heather :)



Heather (your cousin! )


   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

I LOVE YOU "MALWE"

"B"




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

I LOVE YOU MALLORY.

BROOKS




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

HEY MAL,

I LOVE YOU AND CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU. REST WELL TONIGHT.

MY PRAYERS ARE ALSO GOING UP FOR ALEX!!!! I KNOW WHAT A SPECIAL FRIEND HE IS TO YOU.

LOVE YOU, BRIDGET  




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Jeannie Fuller

Lisa & Mal,

We do love Target!  Maybe we should do a commercial for them.  I will never forget that Target was the 1st store I went into after my transplant.  Everything looked so good-  It had changed seasons without me knowing. ( I think we spent alot of money that day.)  Glad you got a new bike!! Yes!  I think Target will always have a special place in our hearts...

Lisa-  I am so glad you were able to tell Mal"s story. It was definitely a BIG step of faith for me. I know you will have many more opportunities to share your MIRACLE!!     Mal has already helped so many people.  I know you are so proud of her.

We are praying for Alex and would like to send a contribution- just let us know where to send it.

Sleep well!

Jeannie

 




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Kristen Lunceford

Hey Mallory,

I am sooo happy you have been feeling better!  I wanted to let you know that Alex has really been weighing on my heart lately and I have been praying a lot for him.  I am so glad that he has made such a great friend and  I am sure that your friendship and prayers have brightened his spirits.  Have a good night, praying for you!

Kristen   




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
caroline fuller

hey mal. i"m doing a space project right now. It is fun. i"m enjoying it! i"m glad your feeling better.  bye!

Caroline




   
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Aunt Robin

 Bike Riding 

WATCH OUT KENNESAW!!!!!  Here comes Mallory!!!!

Love you!

Robin & Frank




   
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Chris and Amber Dickson

Hey Mal

We are glad that your kidney counts are down and that you are feeling good!!

Hope you have fun on your new bike!!

We love you and you are always in our prayers!!



Chris and Amber Dickson


   
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Lauren
So glad your kidney numbers are coming down and everything else is stable! I sent you a facebook message a minute ago, so be sure and check it when you get a chance!! :) Lauren


   
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Lisa Lawrence

Congrats Mallory on your new purple bike.  I will expect to see you pedaling around Kennesaw soon.

Michael, I"m sure you love your new truck.  It sounds like it suits you perfectly.  I hope everything is going well with you in your new job as a firefighter.

I am praying for good numbers and a good report at clinic on Wednesday. 

 



Lisa Lawrence


   
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Maw Maw
Good morning Miss Mallory....We finally got the internet connected so I can send you some notes......It has been a job getting unpacked and trying to find a place to put everything.  Can"t wait for you to see what all we have done here.   I read your note about Alex...I am putting something in the mail for you for him today.....We never stop praying for you both and all of  our family and his family....I  start praying during just every day work and ask God to please help you both recover to a normal life. and to be with all of you.....Some people may think that you have to just say prayers at night but God hears our prayers no matter where we are or what time of the day or night we ask Him.  You are such an Angel to want to do something special for him....We love you so much and you are so SPECIAL to me......See you soon....Maw Maw


   
Monday, May 5, 2008
Mommy
Mallory my sweetie pie!!  I am so proud of you and love you so much!! 

Mommy


   
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Karissa

Hey Mallory!!

Im glad to hear that you"ve been able to go shopping and go out to eat!! Im praying that ur numbers will be good on your labs!!

Karissa <3

 




   
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Aunt Dot

Hello to Mallory and family.

I pray all the time for you and Alex,  and I think that is so nice that you want to do something for Alex.  I will send something, but I have your address and will send it there.

God Bless you and your family.

Aunt Dot




   
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Aunt Robin

 Flower Hi Sweet Mallory,

Just wanted to pop in and tell you that I love you and that I am praying all the time for you and Alex.

Love,

Aunt Robin






   
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Amanda

I"d like to contribute for Alex.  Through my husband who works for Weyerhaeuser I"ve kept up with your progress and through your journal I"ve kept up with Alex and I have him on my MySpace.  I hate he"s going through such a terrible time and pray for him and you both often. 

 

Please let me know if I can contribute through PayPal or some other way. 

 

Thanks!




   
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Phyllis Maulden
Hi Mallory, I just wanted to let you know I will pray hard for Alex & of course you too! You guys are special - Phyllis M.


   
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Heather (your cousin! )

Hey Mal! I just read your daily update, and just wanted to let you know that I am a firm believer about praying anytime God lays that on my heart! I have done that many times for you, and Alex, and will continue to do so! :) It is great to hear you encourage others to do that as well! I hope you have a great weekend! Also, how do we give to help with something for Alex? Do you have a paypal address that we could send it too? Thanks and have a wonderful night!

Love in Christ,

Heather :)



Heather (your cousin! )


   
Friday, May 2, 2008
Michael

hey mal mal,

im glad you were feeling so well yesterday and got out and did things. it was cool to hang out with you too! im glad you like my truck...we will have to go get it muddy....shh don"t tell moma, haha...anyways i hope you have a great day tomorrow and im sure i will see you...rodney carrington is tomorrow night! yes! okay, night night!

 



Michael


   
Friday, May 2, 2008
Diane Ellerbee

HI Mallory,

Great news about your weight check!!  I wish I could be at my goal weight but it"s a daily struggle.  I know you are beaming with pride for your Mom!!!  I get nervous also when I stand to speak in front of a crowd.  If you give me a room full of third graders I am fine but a room full of adults and I become tense!!!  It"s wonderful that the bank has helped with this cause.  It"d be nice to see a video of your mom"s talk.  You are truly blessed with your loving and devoted family!!!  Prayers lifted for you and Alex too. Blessings from PS--Prayer Warrior--Diane




   
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Mark Wasson

Mal,

I worked with your mom and dad at Gunold several years ago, and have been praying for you along with many others, for sure.  Just thought after visiting your site so many times for several months that I should let you know I"m out here.  It"s inspirational to watch you fight this battle with such optimism and calmness.  It"s gotta be difficult.  Your parents are incredibly devoted to helping you through your daily struggles, which is also just amazing for me to read about.  By the way, can you please tell me who Alex is?  So many emails give updates on him. 

Take care and keep rested!

Mark Wasson

 



Mark Wasson