Public is invited to garden's blessing

The roots of healing run deep along the banks of Sand Creek. When we lost our son David in June 2004, the devastation was overwhelming. Our family was numbed and the future without him seemed empty and bleak. Somehow we went forward, searching for a hint of normalcy, trying to make sense of it all, grasping at glimpses of peace and promise.

Through a series of "coincidences," I was drawn to Bonner Community Hospice where I was assigned a bereavement counselor. Our first meeting was conducted in the Brown House where I was afforded a view of a miracle in the making. Construction had recently begun on the Healing Garden. Through my tears I watched as a construction crew worked diligently to transform the lawn of the Brown House into a very special place.

As work progressed on the garden, so did the task of working through my grief. With the guidance of my bereavement counselor, I began to deal with the complicated and difficult business of surviving a great loss. Every appointment included a visit to the Healing Garden — each a work in progress. A sense of hope began to build within me and a garden grew around me. The Healing Garden became a visible testament to my journey and my personal healing.

The dedication of the Healing Garden in October one year ago was celebrated by our community and by my family — my husband Larry, son Brian and daughter-in-law Lana shared the event with me and I knew on that day we would survive this great loss, that we would grow together as the garden has grown and thrived — with love and dedication to a common goal.

Today as we enter the garden we are greeted by the names of those remembered here, David is there along with many others. But it is not with the once overwhelming sadness I view their names; it is now with the warmth of fond memories and a love that will never leave me.

We will be putting the garden to bed on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 8 a.m. If you are unable to lend a hand, please take time to visit this incredible place — truly a Healing Garden.

KAREN C. OLSON

Sandpoint