by J K Myers

Created on: June 03, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2008

My family was devastated by the death of my daughter, Trisha. She was born with multiple health problems. After fighting these health issues for fifteen years, she was tired and could not fight anymore.
My family wanted some type of memorial for Trisha. We needed a place to honor what Trisha meant to us. We discussed making a memorial bench and garden.
Trisha brought so much joy and love to everyone who met her. Trisha was a social butterfly and did not know a stranger. Despite the fact that she could not talk, she communicated with her eyes and she bossed everyone around her.

Even though she was in pain most of the time, she would laugh it off and smile with that wonderful smile that always reached her sparkling blue eyes. Every time she saw someone she knew, her eyes would light up and she would throw her arms out as if demanding a hug.
Trisha touched every person she met and anyone that knew about her, which included many friends of the family.
My Mom mentioned our idea of a memorial garden and bench to some friends. These remarkable friends started a collection of money to help start a memorial for Trisha. They surprised Mom with the money a week later.
We were able to buy a stone bench and several different kinds of flowers for the garden. We had decided to plant the garden in my parents' backyard. My siblings and other family members bought plants for the garden or donated money.
Then my Dad brought home some flowers for the garden. A friend of his at work donated them to add to the garden. This was only the beginning.
It seemed we had donations of flowers on a daily basis. I am continually touched by the generosity of the many people who have made our memorial garden possible.
Every evening my Mom goes outside to check the flowers and water the garden. Some nights we go out and sit on Trisha's bench. My Mom has been able to achieve a level of peace because of this memorial garden.
I am forever grateful to have this special garden where I can bring my son after he is born. This will be our special place where I will tell him about his special big sister who he was never able to meet.

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