By Linda Elissalde
“Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind.” (William Wordsworth)
Our time of “Splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower,” with Lauren Marie Brim (Biscuit) was brief. She was only 21 when she passed away, and unlike in Wordsworth’s poem, we do grieve. However, we can gain strength from the gifts Lauren left for us.
One of those gifts is that of friendship. Her friend Ocean Grand wanted a bench in memory of Lauren placed at Crenshaw School. Jane Ewing checked with Principal Terri Camp who immediately agreed. Ocean headed to her Facebook and asked if anyone from the 8th grade class of 2011 wanted to help with the cost. They did. An account was set up, the bench purchased, sent to the Ewing home and David Ewing put it together. Mario Tovar had the cement poured and finished at the school. David completed a frame for the bench. There was even enough money left to create a special account for Lauren’s son. Her bench now awaits guests underneath a green oak tree on the Crenshaw campus.
People find tremendous strength in Lauren’s most precious gift, her beloved son Aiden Christopher Richardson who inherited the big beautiful blue eyes that are a hallmark of Lauren’s family. Aiden is 13 months old. He eagerly greets folk with upraised arms and a twinkling sparkle that can melt even the coldest heart. Grandmother Marie Vratis and Aiden watched as the bench was placed at Crenshaw. He became so interested in the cement that his footprints form a part of the commemorative decorations.
Lauren left us too soon, but her legacy lives on in many ways. We all, family and friends, gain strength when we think of her valiant courage and enduring love. We gain strength when we look into the bright, shining eyes of Aiden Christopher. We gain strength when we visit the bench built in Loving Memory. There we can rest and remember the splendor and glory of Lauren Marie Brim.
[9-10-2018]
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