The
centerpiece of a newly completed Detroit memorial garden is a
serpentine walkway built of bricks dedicated to patients of the
Hospice of Michigan who have passed away. The bricks were transferred
to HOM's Brush Park headquarters from Farmington Hills, where they
were originally installed.
That hospice location has been closed, says
John Bell, HOM's director of planned giving.
"This
is a very pleasant, particularly important statement of commitment to
this community," Bell says. "We really feel very strongly
that we're not just here, but that we beautify the area."
The
garden is divided into two parts, both of which are landscaped and
have seating areas. The smaller is a quiet place of repose with a
small solar-powered fountain.
The
larger is dedicated to Rochelle Blum, a HOM patient whose family
contributed significantly to the establishment of the garden. "Many
of her family members contributed or worked on the garden," Bell
says. "It was a wonderful family effort, and many of them were
here for the dedication. It was moving to see them all."
The
centerpiece sculpture (pictured) is in memoriam of Blum's
granddaughter, and there is also a trellis and a larger fountain.
The
memorial garden is open to the public.
Source: John Bell and Tracy Lark, Hospice of Michigan
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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