2020 has been a challenging year for all of us - and several folks in Learning Enrichment and College Readiness have experienced far more than their fair share of heart ache. A little over three weeks ago, Betty, one of our departmental secretaries, lost her son Frankie Jr. unexpectedly. The family's loss was unimaginable, and faculty and staff in our department were at a loss as how to console or support Betty's family. Our physical separation heightened our sense of helplessness, as so many families have experienced these past several months. We decided, as a department, that we would like to give Betty and her family something as a tribute to her son that was also related to her love of gardening. Larry, a good friend in shipping and receiving, had already made Betty two beautiful bird houses. We decided to make Betty a garden bench and planter. Carmela found a few examples online and she, Hortencia, and Meg settled on the one we ended up building. More than 40 people in the department contributed towards the construction of the bench. For me, this was especially amazing as these folks are always helping each other and they contribute to our philanthropic projects in Jordan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
We chose cedar posts for the planter/bench, as they are weather and rot resistant. Patrick and I spent nine hours building it at Hazem's shop. It was a lot of work and Patrick was a trooper - the sanding alone was a major undertaking. When we finished, Nina got us a beautiful plaque to put on the bench, and Carmela ordered a stone with a touching quote. We wanted to surprise Betty, so we had our best undercover operatives, Hortencia and Meg on the case. Carmela and John H. worked with staff and faculty, and Hortencia coordinated with Betty's husband, Frank Sr. Finally, Meg arranged to go over to Betty's for lunch on the Friday afternoon that we all decided to deliver the bench. Meg kept Betty busy in the back yard while nearly 20 of us showed up for the presentation.
This was truly a team effort. Many folks contributed, some lent tools, Kipp bought potting soil, and Yoanda, Chris, and Barb bought flowers for the planter. Hazem and Kennedy helped load the 400+ pound bench in the truck, and Frank, Kipp, Jeff, and Patrick helped unload it. It was a wonderful culmination of a lot of love from a lot of people.
After we had all assembled at Betty's house, Meg brought her out to the front yard. To say Betty was overwhelmed would be an understatement! I won't detail the next ten minutes because I am not articulate enough to capture the emotions and good will that followed. After Betty composed herself, we all adjourned to her back yard for lemonade and some catching up. After 45 minutes or so, we dispersed saddened but also feeling blessed that we could participate in a small gesture that would help ease a little pain, even if just temporarily. Here are a few pictures:
We chose cedar posts for the planter/bench, as they are weather and rot resistant. Patrick and I spent nine hours building it at Hazem's shop. It was a lot of work and Patrick was a trooper - the sanding alone was a major undertaking. When we finished, Nina got us a beautiful plaque to put on the bench, and Carmela ordered a stone with a touching quote. We wanted to surprise Betty, so we had our best undercover operatives, Hortencia and Meg on the case. Carmela and John H. worked with staff and faculty, and Hortencia coordinated with Betty's husband, Frank Sr. Finally, Meg arranged to go over to Betty's for lunch on the Friday afternoon that we all decided to deliver the bench. Meg kept Betty busy in the back yard while nearly 20 of us showed up for the presentation.
This was truly a team effort. Many folks contributed, some lent tools, Kipp bought potting soil, and Yoanda, Chris, and Barb bought flowers for the planter. Hazem and Kennedy helped load the 400+ pound bench in the truck, and Frank, Kipp, Jeff, and Patrick helped unload it. It was a wonderful culmination of a lot of love from a lot of people.
After we had all assembled at Betty's house, Meg brought her out to the front yard. To say Betty was overwhelmed would be an understatement! I won't detail the next ten minutes because I am not articulate enough to capture the emotions and good will that followed. After Betty composed herself, we all adjourned to her back yard for lemonade and some catching up. After 45 minutes or so, we dispersed saddened but also feeling blessed that we could participate in a small gesture that would help ease a little pain, even if just temporarily. Here are a few pictures:
17 4x4 cedar posts
We used 4 inch screws and dowel rods to connect the posts
And a whole lot of exterior grade glue
Patrick faded for a bit, but came back strong
90% done at this stage - getting it up on these tables was a feat
It's new home - at least until Betty decides where she would like it to be
Larry gave the center birdhouse to Betty and made her a second one. He gave us the other two for our fundraising for Zena and Jaina's tuition in Jordan
Betty and Frank Sr.
The three amigas - Betty, Carmela, and Hortencia
Enjoying a beautiful afternoon in the back yard
Pre-departure
The crew: John H., Patrick, Hortencia, Christian, Meg, Carmela, Yolanda, Jeff, Nina, Kipp, (Betty and Frank Sr.) Lauren, Rita, Aaron, Mandy, Jenny, and David
As sad as these types of circumstances can be, I am so proud I work with a wonderful group of people who care about each other deeply, not only in times of great sorrow, but throughout the year.
Our hearts go out to Chris R's and Jason K's families as well.
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