FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Matthew Taylor's uncle died in a car accident Friday (Aug. 29), but an outing at a Fort Smith park on Monday (Sept. 1) helped the family begin to overcome their grief.
“Spending time with family is the most important thing,” Taylor said.
They gathered at Creekmore Park for Labor Day, and Taylor grilled hamburgers for his family.
“We're out here grilling and having a good time -- just having some good food and some Southern cooking.”
His uncle, Adam Whisenhunt, was 31 when he died and the family said his donated organs saved two lives.
“I wish he could be here with us, but we’re saving him a plate,” Taylor said. “And we know he’s looking down on us right now – he’s here with us regardless.”
While some remembered, others celebrated – Monday (Sept. 1) is also Miracle Pettigrew’s 14th birthday.
“I’ve got my family here, and we’re all having a great time,” Pettigrew said.
For five-year-old Jayce Harris, Labor Day meant one last splash at the pool.
“He just learned this year how to start jumping off the diving board and everything, so he’s been getting on there. You wouldn’t have ever thought – he’s like a fish in water now,” his mother Lisa said.
Harris said she brought her kids to the Creekmore Pool every day this summer except when it was raining.
The Creekmore Pool closed Monday (Sept. 1) and will open next year during Memorial Day weekend.