A Memorial Garden for Anna

I do not know the Van Horn family of Peachtree City, but I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic death of their 9-year-old daughter, Anna, in a tubing accident on the Chattahoochee River on June 3.  All of us who have children know deep down that this is the one unimaginable pain – to lose a beloved child. It is difficult to understand or to fathom. I don’t know how people survive such a devastating blow unless they have an abiding faith in the ultimate goodness of God. And, as a community, we should be doing what we can to help this family.

Anna is described as “beautiful, outgoing, intelligent – an old soul.”  She had an amazing array of interests including art, music and animals. She was committed to the environment and participated in the “Green Team” at Braelinn Elementary School in Peachtree City.

This dear family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, people make donations in Anna’s name to a memorial garden being established at Braelinn Elementary School. The family is hoping to see a gazebo built and trees planted to provide a shady area at the play ground for all children to enjoy. What better way to honor this sweet girl’s life than by providing a restful place for her fellow students to relax, reflect and perhaps find sanctuary during their own difficult experiences.

A garden can truly be a place of solace and renewal. I hope many of us in the community will send donations to support the Anna Van Horn Memorial Garden at Braelinn Elementary School. You can make out a check to Braelinn Elementary School, 975 Robinson Road, Peachtree City, GA  30269. Write the “Anna Van Horn Memorial” on the memo line of the check. Perhaps after writing a check, we can also lend a hand to help create this garden for Anna.

And let’s also remember to keep the Van Horn family in our prayers.