“Don’t take your children for granted because it’s absolutely terrible when you have to give them back.” Three weeks after the death of her 18-day-old son, single mother Brandee Smith, 27, and her daughters are trying to carry on while remembering baby RayLee.

Brandee summons strength from her three daughters. Haylee, 7, is her sensitive one with a heart of gold. Khylie, 5, is her protector who put her own feelings aside to cater to those of others. Nine-month-old Iaella is her ray of sunshine.

“When you are down and out and your world seems to be crumbling, your children will lift you up without even trying,” Brandee said.