Archive for December, 2009
The Butterfly Bench
Saturday, December 26th, 2009
Wilson Park is a short drive from our house. On the Northwest corner of the park sits a whimsical play castle surrounded by pieces of art that also function as benches. The castle has been the location of infamous games of “monster” (i.e. Dad relentlessly chasing daughters around said castle grounds), princess birthday parties and pleasant conversations with friends.
When we heard that our friends at Leverett Elementary were going to place a bench and tree in memorial to Olivia at the school, we assumed that it would be the standard metal bench with a lovely tree to shade it. Jane and I were both awestruck when we were handed the designs for the bench. The same artist who designed the benches for our favorite spot at Wilson Park had designed a “butterfly bench” for Olivia. Nothing could be more perfect than the design, the designer, the chosen location or the love and effort being put into the project by our friends.
We are honored and blessed beyond measure that this can be one of the gifts in Olivia’s basket, a present in her honor for “generations” of parents and kids at Leverett to enjoy together.
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Grace
Monday, December 7th, 2009
“Grace, she carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips between her fingertips
She carries a pearl in perfect condition
What once was hurt
What once was friction
What left a mark
No longer stings
Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things
Grace makes beauty out of ugly things”
From Grace by U2
Olivia’s life was one of inherent meaning and value as is each life that God creates. What we do in someone’s memory or honor does nothing to enhance or detract from that value and meaning.
And yet we when we are profoundly impacted by a person’s life, and even by their death, the fruitfulness of their time can be increased, multiplied by our responses.
Olivia’s Basket is an idea born of incredible grief and loss covered and mixed with faith and hope that her life would bear much fruit to the glory of God.
We don’t understand it. We wouldn’t have chosen it, but we do chose to walk by faith and invite you to walk with us.
Thank you.
John, Jane, Hope, Hannah and Naomi Ray
We miss Olivia so much…
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