Laurren Smith Gets Welcomed Home in Style

Denise Bell
Post Managing Editor

August 17, 2009   

Laurren Smith and her mom Patty were welcomed home Saturday afternoon in true “Forney style” when dozens of families turned out to demonstrate their love for the local teen who has been courageously fighting cancer since 2007.

Returning home after three weeks in California where Laurren underwent medical treatment, a large community of family, friends and neighbors gathered Saturday afternoon around 5:30 p.m. to host a “welcome home mini parade”.

Starting at Criswell Elementary School, the teen climbed in the back of a white pick-up and with a Police and Fire Truck escort was lead to her home as family after family cheered, waved and held up signs of encouragement while Laurren smiled and waved back.

All along the neighborhood parade route, Laurren’s friends and supporters literally blanketed the fences, guardrails, construction signs, mail boxes and cars with pink balloons, ribbons and signs of encouragement.

Dallas Low Rider car club “The Principals” brought out four beautifully restored custom cars for the small, impromptu parade and they were joined by a mini motorcycle and go cart.

Packing the street and front yard of the Smith home, a huge group of loving supporters gathered to celebrate Laurren’s homecoming as well as to listen as both Laurren’s parents expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community.

Wiping away tears, Patty Smith stated “we tried to be California girls, but it sure feels good to be home.”

After the clapping, cheering and silly string spraying subsided, a heartfelt prayer was shared by all those present and then the crowd of caring friends and neighbors slowly disbursed.