From one garden to the next, we attended the opening of the Anika M. James Memorial Garden, which was held this afternoon behind the Baha'i Center in Durham. The garden was a project inspired by Anika herself, carried out in her memory by the vibrant junior youth of our community. Several of Anika's friends were in attendance today, some offering words of remembrance, prayers, songs and dance.
The official cutting of the ribbon was done by Bob (Robert), Anika's dad, and tearful mom, Mahtaj, was not far away. Today also marks Anika's birthday, and she would have been 16. It also falls during these days of Ridvan -- an important and most holy time of the year for Baha'is.
The garden itself was just beautifully done. Located behind (in the "backyard") the Durham Baha'i Center, where once it was just brush and overgrowth, is now a well-designed (courtesy of O'Mara Landscaping -- James O'Mara is a local Baha'i and professional landscape architect) and simple garden with beautiful stone work and a garden bench and sign that reads "In Memory of Anika James, Our Dear Friend".
Still clearly very sad and broken hearted, Anika's parents thanked the many friends and community members who have offered services in Anika's name, finances for the garden project, and much, much more. All of this work done in honour of Anika, will surely aid in the progress of her soul, and in healing the hearts of all who loved her.
[a pregnant Kelly, and Anika, at Fariba and Payam's wedding, summer 2006]
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