In honor of my son Nathan and all the lives he touched

It is with great pain that we share the devastating news of the passing of my tender-hearted son Nathan Olson-Smith. Nathan went to be with the Lord at the tender age of only 25 on November 29th, 2024—exactly one month from his 26th birthday. A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend to so many. Nathan's love for the Lord, his friends, and his family was the kind you read about in storybooks.

As a mom, when you have to write your child's story, it is the hardest thing besides hearing the words that your child has passed. It is a pain no parent should have to endure.

From the time Nathan was born, his caring nature and love for others stood out above anything. He was the type of child that even a short conversation with a stranger would carry a lasting impact. As Nathan grew up, I can't even count the number of teachers who notably said Nathan was the most loving and remarkable student they had ever had. Nathan was a proud graduate of Eagle Point High school and grew up in the small community of Eagle Point. I remember attending a parent conference, and one of his teachers said, "I would trust the kid with my soul, I love that kid." Nathan wore his heart on his sleeve, and he was never shy in showing love and kindness towards others. Even as a young child, Nathan's pastor was moved by the love Nathan had for our Lord.

Nathan not only made an unforgettable impact on his teachers, friends, and family, but the love he had for his older brother, Alex, and little sister, Gracie, was undeniable. Nathan would write stories in elementary school about his big brother from when they played Pop Warner Football and how Nathan would protect his brother so his big brother could make a touchdown. In one of Nathan's most precious letters about his brother, he wrote, "I will always remember him as the quarterback of my life." He loved and admired his big brother to no end. When Nathan's little sister, Gracie, was born, he was so excited, and she became his world. Nathan always called her "boo-boos," was always the first to text her on her birthday, and was her biggest fan and supporter of her dreams and goals. Nathan took his little sister to her first job and picked her up from school dances. When I was attending night classes in college, Nathan would take care of his little sister, make her dinner, and help her with her homework—they became besties. "Best brother ever" are the exact words she would use to describe Nathan. When his little sister was upset about something, she would text Nathan, and he would always help her work it out. As his sister became a teenager, Nathan made sure to tell her regularly how proud he was of her and that he loved her. Nathan loved his little sister, "weirdo," and she loved Nathan, "marble head," more than words could ever describe.

Nathan's passing has taken a piece of our hearts that we will never get back. The loving memories we have are what we now cherish more than ever. Nathan's amazing hugs, the way his laughter filled a room, and the way he wore his heart on his sleeve will never be forgotten. His love for his friends, family, brother, and sister could never be measured. Nathan taught me to never leave anything unsaid, never give up, and always show the ones who are important in life love in all circumstances.

In honor of his memory, we will be holding a memorial at noon on Thursday, December 19th, at Bethel Church in Medford, Oregon. We hope all who were touched by Nathan's tender heart and incredible spirit can attend, as we know it was many. To honor Nathan the best way we can, we are asking that in place of flowers, donations be made to help support his brother and sister as they work through their grief and funeral expenses.

There are no words that adequately describe the pain of losing a child. There are no words that will soothe the pain of his sister or brother. Nathan, being only 25 when he became an angel, will never have children to pass his love to, he will never walk down the aisle, and he will never be able to see his sister graduate or go to college. Nathan will never be able to hold the hand again of his little 6-year-old nephew whom he adored.

However, I remember the love that Nathan shared with so many, the way he loved the Lord, and that during the short time Nathan had on this earth, his love and tender heart will always be with us. Nathan will always be watching from heaven—when his sister graduates high school, when his brother walks down the aisle, and for all the other special moments. Nathan is now our angel in heaven who will always still be sending his love.

For everyone who loved Nathan, from his friends, teachers, coaches, and especially his family, I cannot thank you enough for all the love you gave Nathan while he was here.