Toriyanna Da'Shae Smith

Tori Smith Toriyanna Da'Shae Smith, 9, of Manhattan, passed away, Wednesday, December 26th, at her home with her family by her side. Travels with Tori Tori has completed her travels, reached her destination, and is now at home, resting in the healing, loving arms of her Heavenly Father. Actually, we believe that she is running, dancing, singing, and eating all the spaghetti, pizza, and strawberries that she wants. For the past year and a half, this weary, yet valiant traveler faced every challenge and obstacle placed along her journey with acceptance, determination, faith, and even with a smile most of the time. She travelled on, bringing us with her, as we celebrated her victories and joined in prayer to carry her through the ‘hiccups’. But Toriyanna Da'Shae Smith was so much more than the disease that took her life. Her smile was infectious, her laugh was heart- warming, and her easy, enthusiastic manner made her a good friend to many. She loved swapping Shopkins and playdates with friends. It didn’t matter if it was a birthday party, sleep over, swimming, or just hanging out; she loved her time with her friends. At home, game nights, baking, and movie nights with family were anticipated with fun. Tori was so passionate as she explained to us a story she had read, a video she had seen, an event at school, or even explaining what LPS and LOL dolls are. There could be plenty of sibling discord with Tiyanna, but the truth is that they had and will always have a special connection. Tori wasn’t always as good at sharing with her sister as she was with her friends, but she looked up to her big sister and really treasured the times they played together. They would set up houses and scenarios and literally play together for hours in their rooms. They travel well and together have logged many miles, seen many sights, and shared many experiences. Tori’s competitive nature was evident as she loved playing all kinds of board and card games, giggling as she won time and time again. If you were to question her competitiveness, you could visit with her cousins Lindsey and Johnathon. She could learn a song after hearing it just one time and really enjoyed singing and dancing. She’s a kid who loved school; enjoyed learning, reading, and writing, though, when asked, she would tell you that recess was her favorite subject. She was blessed by her teachers, who recognized her interests and nurtured her abilities, encouraging and challenging her to keep doing her best and reassuring her that her best was good enough. Not just principals and teachers, but every adult at Bluemont rallied around her, cheering her on, sharing gifts, showering her with their love, and lifting her with their prayers and good wishes. She could not have been in better hands. She was absolutely blessed by classmates who supported her and cheered her on as she traversed this course called cancer. Friends who accepted her when her hair was replaced with a penguin hat. Friends who made wonderful decorations and sent beautiful cards that let Tori know that she was not forgotten and that many cared for and about her. Friends who held lemonade stands and donated their coins. The special gifts, financial support, words of encouragement, hugs, and visits that let Tori know how special she was. She and her sister, Tiyanna, have always felt at home and been thankful for their Bluemont family. Her family will forever be grateful for the overwhelmingly supportive bobcats. Tori was not part of a traditional family, but was safe, secure, loved and enveloped in the large, widespread family she had. Tori embraced all the siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles of her mom and grandparents. She loved being part of the huge, loud, and fun family gatherings of the Roth family. She and Tiyanna would spend all year looking forward to summer trips to see the Pecoraro’s, which usually included a trip to the beach. She’d spend all day floating in the pool at Uncle Andy’s and Aunt Laurie’s with Tiyanna and had so much fun lounging in the hot tub with Tiyanna and Aunt Mary at Mary’s house. Hmmm. Tiyanna, Tori, water; I see a pattern here. While Tori lived with her grandparents, John and Kelly Pecoraro, she spent time with her mom, Providence, in phone calls, facetime, and visits both here and in Texas, where her mom lived. She loved the time she and Tiyanna had with their mom, step dad Daniel, and her younger brothers, Trenton and D’Angelo. She absolutely treasured her time and always had fun with her beloved Uncle Mike, Aunt Gabby, and cousin Elie. When she passed through the gates of Heaven, along with many family members, her G.G., Kelly’s mom, was there to greet her, just as she was there when Tori arrived here in Kansas. And can’t you just hear her giggling and see her pushing away the dogs as she, Scooby, Chico, and Buddy are reunited? She had a beautiful spirit, smiling shyly, yet polite to all (except maybe her sister). Being a girl scout allowed her to join with friends and engage in activities that fostered her giving nature, from caroling at assisted living facilities to donating care bags to the emergency shelter. She would donate to a person, standing on a corner, and was always awed when they told her ‘God bless you.’ As beautiful as she was inside, she took great enjoyment in looking beautiful outside. She came to not care much how her hair looked, but always sported nails that drew attention. Tori has had chances to explore the beauty and wonder of God’s creations; playing in the ocean, running in sandy beaches, climbing the rocks of the Garden of the Gods, viewing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, and walking among the Giant Sequoias. And now, she resides in the ultimate beauty of God’s promise. While we feel that she has left us too soon, her memory, her influence will live on in us and we know that we will get to be together again. In the final days that we shared together, Tori shared that, when she gets to Heaven, she was going to hug God really hard and thank Him for the really good life she had, even if it was too short. She also shared that she didn’t think that Jesus would be a stranger. She might be a little shy, but she was pretty sure that she would know who He was. And she was going to dine on pizza and strawberries until she had her fill. And spaghetti; she really wanted spaghetti. It will never make sense to us and we will never understand why this precious child was taken from us too soon. So, instead, until we are reunited, we use what she taught us: be thankful, laugh out loud, and play hard. Family is important, and friends are special and to be valued. Learn; notice what is around you and keep having fun. Smile in the face of adversity and always be kind to others. Being so loved and lifted by prayer is truly a gift.