MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents gathered inside the Matthew C. Perry Elementary School gym here March 8, 2013, for a remembrance ceremony dedicated to Mindy Garner, a beloved teacher who passed away recently.
Mindy’s family donated a cherry blossom tree to the station, which was the focal point of the ceremony.
“I can’t say enough about her sister and mom, who had this idea to give something back to the community,” said Rick Garner, husband of Mindy. “We lose a lot of Marines and we lose a lot of soldiers, but sometimes we forget about the citizens who give a lot as well.”
The fleeting blossoms of the cherry tree represent the brief yet meaningful life Mindy lived.
“Just remember that life is short, but it’s sweet,” said Rick. “You have to cherish those beautiful moments. And she did, she cherished life.”
With the help of Gary Saiki and Brian Goering, friends of Mindy, the tree was planted in front of the elementary school. The three talked of the past, laughing and smiling at fond memories, while also looking toward the future for Rick and his children.
“The place we were from was Lemon Bay, Florida, Mindy actually taught 17 years in the county,” said Rick. “We’ll probably go move around that area again. Her mom, dad and sister are there and I have a brother and sister there. We know a lot of people around that area, so it should be nice. Hopefully, I can find a job, that’s the main thing, and to try and get things as normal as possible again for the boys.”
A temporary pot housed the tree, with plans to move it to the new school once it’s constructed.
Goering planted flowers around the tree, adding a personal touch to the memorial. Aside from the colorful flowers, the tree stands bare, but with the season for cherry blossoms only weeks away, the remembrance tree will hopefully blossom soon, standing as a testament to the beautiful life of a dearly missed wife, mother, teacher and caring friend.
“We feel so blessed to be here, we got to do so much, being in Japan,” said Rick. “You've got to take time to stop and smell the roses, that’s for sure.”