5/5/87

Today is my friend Travis Smiths' birthday. He would be 22 years old today. He would be playing golf, going to school, living in Portland, calling his mom, dad, and sister 3xs today cussing them out. Thats what he did he had a scholarship to play golf at Ball State University that he had a really good freshman year. He was the best friend, son, and brother that anyone could have. I know he talked to his parents everyday or at least 5 days a week just to let them know that he loved them he would alot of times check in on them. He was a brother that always had his opinion and advice for you everytime you needed it even if you didnt want to hear it, its very few people that do that, he didnt care if it was someone you were in a relationship with or not he would let known what was on his mind (usually with cuss words). As a best friend he was always there for me if i needed to be cussed out or just get out and get food, he would make sure i was taken care of me before himself. He did so much stuff for me that i feel bad that i never had the chance to repay him. Travis was taking away from use in a car accident on 1/27/07. There are alot of hard days for his family and myself but i want to let them know that he will never be FORGOTTEN and that i love you all just like my family and that you have a son in me.

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• UNC23Tarheels said May 05, 2009

  Big Greg Oden,Sorry for your Lost of Your Friend,Just know that He is smiling down on you from Heaven and is very Proud of you and what you have already accomplished,and As long you continue to celebrate his Memory he is never really gone..God Bless Big Man..

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• CoachScott said May 05, 2009

  It's good that you took the time to remember your friend. I'm sure your friend would have done the same for you. God Bless you and your friend's family!

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• GoOdenLNHS said May 05, 2009

  Greg- You're such a good guy. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.

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• sheedsquad said May 05, 2009

  Good stuff Greg! Travis sounded like a heck of a guy and wonderful friend to you.. Life is not fair, but you are a true friend for remembering him! Much Love!

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• steiny31 said May 05, 2009

  Greg, You are the man. When you are the number one draft pick and one of the best players in the NBA, it is sometimes hard to decide who your real friends are but it seems like you have figured that out. I am very glad to see that my man. U kno I am a fan Keep up the great work and R.I.P. Travis Smith. All the best Greg, - Steiny

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• Kaliban said May 05, 2009

  I'm sorry for the loss of this young man. For you, and for his parents and family and friends.
  You are a classy guy Greg. Thanks for posting this.

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• koyote said May 05, 2009

  Thanks for sharing Greg. Your friend sounds like he was a great person. I'm sure that wherever he is, he is proud of you for making a difference in so many lives.

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• GR8BLAZERFAN said May 05, 2009

  Hey Greg,
  I understand what you are going through...in 1973, I lost my best friend in a car accident. I will never forget the day my parents knocked on my apartment door with that news. It had a profound affect on my life, and I lived differently because of that tragedy. His family and I still talk, even though it has been 36 years! It sounds like you are choosing to let this experience make you into a better person, and your compassion towards his family is commendable. Go foward and make every day count!
  Stay with your basketball while you take some classes this summer, and come back for next season rested, ready and pumped up for BLAZER ball :)
  Gr8blazerfan in Oregon CIty

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• Jamestime1 said May 05, 2009

  Greg Oden showing another side,I am not surprise in the end we are all human beings.

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• Ldaley06 said May 05, 2009

  Sorry for your loss ~ sounds like you were a great best friend also.

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• saregister said May 05, 2009

  Greg, thank you for sharing your very fond memories of a true friend of yours. I know Travis is watching you from above and is smiling at you and your success. I'm sure he is just as happy to have you as a friend as you are to have him. Take care big guy!

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• fourfootthug said May 05, 2009

  sorry for the loss of your firend. He would be so proud of you for everything you have accomplish in your life. Keep working hard for your goals in life.R.I.P Travis Smith, and Rip City Uprise '10!

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• jjisthetruth said May 05, 2009

  Ive respected you as a player and now as a person. Wishng you and the Smith Family all the strength needed to carry on...Your a true best friend! Best wishes

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• lewii5 said May 05, 2009

  this is a post i think a lot of people, including myself, can relate to. good people go early and the only thing we can do is to remember their time with us. travis sounds like a true homie. people forget that they gotta come correct when they get behind the wheel. people get used to driving everyday and don't realize or just forget how deadly car accidents can be. my thoughts are with ya big dude, keep the real sh*t coming.

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• LoveAndBBall55 said May 05, 2009

  Today, and everyday think and look back on all of the great times that the two of you had together because friends like that are hard to find and unfortunately are some of the first friends you losse I am very sorry for your loss. And P.S.- this post is so amazing and so real in such a subtle way, it brought tears to my eyes. God Bless, and best wishes to you and the Smith's.

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• rickdawg said May 05, 2009

  It's good to never forget the people we've lost. Especially when they've had the impact on your life like it seems Travis did on you. Just always remember why you do what you do, and that no matter what, your family and your TRUE friends will always be there for you, whether in person or in spirit. Treat this day as a celebration, remember the good times you had with Travis, because you know that's what he'd want. And always stay close to his family, as it will make your memories of him more vibrant.
  
  You're a good man GO. Don't know if anyone's ever told you that, but you ARE a standup young man. Keep up the good work, keep remembering who and why you do what you do. Good luck and God Bless.

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• HayatoKanzaki1 said May 05, 2009

  I remember there was an espn article on this when he died.......... It must be a tragic moment in your life..... I pay my condolences to your best friend. R.I.P. Travis

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• bballmom4ever said May 05, 2009

  Thanks you for sharing with us your loss of a special friend. Having a child close to that age just hits me hard. Never take a day for granted. It's good that you are still close to his family, I'm sure it helps them through the more difficult days as they help you too.

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• Blazermark said May 06, 2009

  on the 10th of May, it will be 24 years since my best friend was killed. Also auto related. He was hit by a van. Still miss him every day. I wish you well Greg, also all of Travis' loved ones. My friend's name was Billy. He had a poster of Billy Ray Bates dunking two B'balls behind his back. He liked the Blazers too. Take care!

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• CtwentyoneP21 said May 06, 2009

  Big Greg Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend..I'm glad to hear how humble of a man you are and continue to stay close to the family...Great to hear you are not only a great basketball talent, but more importantly a great human being! Good luck in your NBA career!

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• debra31098 said May 06, 2009

  Greg,
  This is just another reason why I respect you so much. At the end of the day you have your priorities straight..
  I think that is why the BLAZERS had such a great season, as this is a trait of the team. Travis is with you ...on the court...in the classroom..in your everyday life..honor him always.....being the other son to Travis's parents is the most special gift of all. Namaste'

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• francesdooley said May 06, 2009

  Travis was lucky to have you, too, Greg. Love to the moon and back, Aunt Francie

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• brbruce said May 06, 2009

  Greg, This speaks volums to you and the Smith family. I knew and loved Travis as well as the Smith family. Travis was a special guy in so many ways and to see it coming from you means so much to me. I can only imagine what you are doing for the family. We can't bring Travis back but it sure is nice to remember him for what he was and how he touch so many people.

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• sunnygreenman said May 06, 2009

  nice

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• Beautifuleyes said May 06, 2009

  Greg... God place people in our lifes for many reason!!!!!! Thank you for acknowledge him and sharing him with your facebook family... because one thing that he left all of you with was good memorize....Greg hold on to all those memory in your heart..... You had a wonderful FRIEND........
  GOD BLESS YOU AND THE SMITH FAMILY

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• jiaming1220gd said May 07, 2009

  its sorry to her that,i have not suffered from someones' death,but i can feel the sorrow.GOD BLESS HIM IN HEAVEN .its hard to carry on,but you will make it.

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• Rosecity07 said May 08, 2009

  I think he knew you were going pro and would be proud of that. Make him even more proud with your hard work in the off season. Have a great summer.

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• YaoZhi said May 15, 2009

  ????????????????

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• cbbeast said May 14, 2009

  I love me some GO! Most dominate presence on the floor IMO. Have you thought about a trip to Spain to practice bull fighting???? A bit more "slide out if the way" and "sword strike (block) from the side" would save you some fouls and up your blocks to 4 per game. I should know I played JV basketball.
  I can't decide if we will win title number 2 next year or 2011......what'cha think?

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• wsliubo007 said May 17, 2009

  ???????????????????????~~~~I hope you can understand the meaning,the big man.

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• Thantsh said May 23, 2009

  like many people,i am from china,here are lots of people who concern about you.
  plz update your blog when you have time,bacause we want know everything of you.
  we all are hope you play better,good lucky,boy.

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• Thantsh said May 23, 2009

  like many people,i am from china,here are lots of people who concern about you.
  plz update your blog when you have time,bacause we want know everything of you.
  we all are hope you play better,good lucky,boy.

  Reply

  
• Silverriv5 said May 28, 2009

  I'm not sure how much you pay attention to comments from fans, but I thought I would ask a couple of questions and make a suggestion. I'm a former basketball player and coach, was here when the Blazers won it all in 77, watched several Utah Jazz seasons with Karl Malone and John Stockton, and watched live the NBA draft with you being #1. First of all, are you getting in better cardio shape and losing some weight over the summer? And second, who was the person who chose your jersey number? Yes, I'm serious. Buck Williams wore 52, but other than that, I have always thought that number was a journeyman's number! You haven't had any luck in your first two years. My suggestion is to change your number and change your mindset. Get a "quicker" number like 6, 40, 44, or 45. Believe it or not, a number will give you confidence, it will put you in the right mindset when you put it on. The Blazers need you my man, the Magic have Howard and the Lakers have Gasol. The Celtics didn't have Garnett and they are out of it! The best teams have a great 5, and the Blazers have one too, you! Joel is good, but you will be great. Go do it!

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