JENNINGS, Mo. — LaWanda Thomas' life forever changed on July 1, 2023.
Her son, 5-year-old Robert "RJ" Lawrence III, died just days before his sixth birthday.
A year ago, a storm came through, causing a tree to crash through the recent kindergarten graduate's bedroom.
"I go to bed thinking about that smile and wake up thinking about that smile. He was a happy child," Thomas said.
It's a smile she proudly wears.
Thomas met 5 On Your Side wearing a shirt that had pictures of RJ all over it.
On Thursday, Thomas represented her son at Jennings' Pocket Park. It's a space that will soon honor RJ.
"I'm still processing, I'm still surviving. I'm trying to get through it, it's still fresh, but anything to have a happy moment and celebrate him and honor him that's what I want to do," she added.
The year anniversary is just days before his 7th birthday.
"I want everybody, kids to be there to have fun as if he was still here running around with them playing," Lawrence shared.
The plan is to have a party at the park.
Jennings native and community activist Aja Owens met Thomas through the tragedy.
Since then, she hasn't left her side.
"Naturally a year ago when I found about this family, to me it wasn't any family, you are in Jennings so the call was instant. Growing up in the community, it was a village. It was a no brainer to come to the aid," Owens told 5 On Your Side.
That call continues.
Owens is collaborator in the celebration and a wave of support is coming through.
"Wow this many people are coming out to help and support, it's been awesome. It’s touched my heart so much, I’m overwhelmed," Thomas shared.
Thomas explained the theme will be Sonic the Hedgehog. It's a character RJ adored.
Thomas said, "He'll always be my Sonic."
That passion carries on. RJ's little brother Rayden loves Sonic too. Rayden ran around Pocket Park with his Sonic shirt and Sonic toy in hand.
"My motto with my kids is, 'I'm my brother's keeper'. He's always going to keep RJ and continue the legacy of his brother," Thomas added.
Thomas prays the passion and the party can bring RJ another big smile.
"My baby is going to have a birthday that he's always wanted," Thomas said.
The celebration of life and birthday party will take place on July 18 at Pocket Park in Jennings.
If you would like to donate or want to volunteer in any way, please reach out to Thomas at 314-728-6075.
Help needed:
- Bouncy House
- Tents
- Grill
- Charcoal
- Ice
- Coolers
- Tables
- Chairs
- Kid Candy Bags