In Memory of Keegan Charles Smith

This memento is in honor of my son, Keegan Charles Smith. Keegan was born in August of 2004, the third child in my family. He was a spitfire from the beginning. He also struggled with depression and anxiety. As the pandemic started and school shut downs began I was worried. The isolation from his friends was going to be really hard for this kid. Social and physical were the two things he needed. Isolated at home and unable to train in boxing and jiu jitsu, his mental health declined. In a meeting discussing our fears of the pandemic, I stated, "I am afraid I am not going to be able to keep my son alive." My fear proved true when on October 6, 2020 he died by suicide at the age of 16. The memento submitted in his honor includes a reminder that his favorite prayer was Angel of God, asking his guardian angel to protect him. Along with that are two saint medals. St. Francis of Assisi, the prayer that was used at his funeral and St. Patrick because he loved being 78% Irish.