Laine’s Garden Dedication
Laine’s bench, made by the exceptionally talented Marcia at Fossil Faux Studios. She was able to embed some of Laine’s pictures and hand-writing within the surface of the bench:
Laine’s bird bath (made by Mathew and Pamela Ritchie over the summer)
The planters and the square arch.
Stepping Stones: These stones were made by the PBS students. Each class made one, and the teachers made one. They are arranged from the beginning of the garden to the bench, in a meandering path. Laine would often meander after being dropped off for school. Saying hello here, smiling at someone there, telling someone else that she will see them in Art class, and generally being a wonderful citizen of PBS.
Words:
Mathew Mammen (brother)
Even at almost half a year, it is still hard to believe that Laine has died. One moment, she was with us all. The next moment, she was not. While Laine was with us, her smile shone brightly where ever she went. She brought her happiness to school, where she played, helped, learned with great joy, and taught her classmates everything from kindness, to what to do if a girl kisses you, to how mommies squeeze out babies after getting a shot in their back. She was a valuable citizen of the Phillips Brooks School, and I am grateful for the things it taught her. She brought her happiness to St. Bede’s with her mere presence, whether it was helping kids with crafts, carrying the basket or cross down the aisles, or launching water balloons from the funnellator. In the community, she would go to all these stores and shops, and made instant friends with whomever she met, including both customers and staff. She brighten up our household, even when we were all sad, or sick. She would bring light and love to all three of us, and I know she made Mia proud to be her sister. She sent her love to all who encountered her. She is loved by many. It was hard to believe she could be dead. Through the tragedy, we have come together, getting through this as one. We have come together, and we have done things Laine would have been proud of us for. Helping with there with care, making the garden, and most of all, remembering and cherishing her. Now, we stand before this garden. Today is the day we celebrate Laine’s life rather than mourn her death. Today is the day we remember her smile, her laughter, and even her trickiness and spunkiness. Remember all the good things that came from Laine, and cherish them. This garden would be something Laine would have certainly enjoyed, and I think is embodies her spirit well. The flowers, the bench, the stepping-stones and the birdbath all represent Laine in all her essences and glory. Joy, not sadness, is what we should feel when in this garden. I want to say thank you to all the people who shaped Laine’s life. All of you allowed me to have the best sister ever, and all of you helped Laine to bloom. I dedicate this garden to Laine Mammen.
Mathai Mammen (father)
A couple words about Gardens and Rainbows:
Laine certainly loved gardening. In the Early Learning Center, the ELC here at Phillips Brooks, Laine would spend hours outside in the garden. At St Bede’s, Laine planted beans and other vegetables. At home, she was an able assistant for years as we planted and cared for many flowers, bushes and vegetables throughout the Spring and Summer. She would spend hours turning the ground with her micro shovel, hauling pots with her wagon, and spend months diligently watering the flowers and vegetables with her little red watering can.. She would tell us in her confident way – you know flowers and vegetables need three ingredients to grow: sun, water and love. I can give them water and love.
Laine adored rainbows. She drew them constantly, and would get weirdly bothered if not spectrally accurate. Over the years she has written hundreds of notes to her family, friends and teachers with rainbows on them. And many of you will remember that for every single day of the week beginning the day after she died, there were stunning, bold rainbows that stretched across the sky, culminating in a beautiful full DOUBLE rainbow the day of Laine’s memorial service. Laine was the artist that painted these rainbows for us. The beautiful stepping stones, made by the PBS children in the colors of the rainbow, and the bench with its vibrant colors, and the bird bath with its rainbow tiling, would all cause Laine to squeal in delight.
On behalf of Anna, Mathew and me, I would like to thank you all warmly and sincerely for coming today to witness the dedication of Laine’s garden. We are especially grateful to Dr Scott Ericson, Erin Wright, Pamela Ritchey and Kim Normington for all the vision, planning and design. And a special thanks to Vern Cruzon and his team for the build, especially in their risking of life and limb in moving around 1147 pound planters. We are grateful to the many other parents and staff at Phillips Brooks School that envisioned and supported the creation of Laine’s garden, and built it with love in their heart. We are deeply grateful to Rev Gia and the St Bede’s community and our many many friends that have been so warmly supportive. This garden is a physical place that honors the spirit of Laine – a place that is colorful, bright and playful and will bring joy to many. Please enjoy it, and remember Laine while you do.
Invitation:
Tuesday – July 15, 2014
Dear Friends,
You are warmly invited to a dedication of the garden we are building in memory of Laine Mammen on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 10:00am. We will gather near the Kindergarten playground closest to the school entrance for a brief dedication and community celebration in remembrance of Laine. Light refreshments for children and adults will be available.
Our school is located at 2245 Avy Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Parking is available on our campus. In the event our lot is full when you arrive, overflow parking will be available across the street at St. Dennis Church. Keeping our neighbors in mind, we ask that you kindly avoid street parking. Please contact Erin Wright, [email protected] or 650-854-4545 x113, with any questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Scott Erickson
Head of School
The Phillips Brooks School
2245 Avy Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 | Ph: 650-854-4545 Fax: 650-854-6532
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