LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In the shadow of a great tragedy, new life took root at the Louisville Ballet's Community Healing Garden.
A year after the mass shooting next door at Old National Bank, the greenery gives respite from the trauma.
"You bring something green in and people just come alive. People want to have a connection with nature," Jon Carloftis, garden designer, said.
"As we gather here today, we are reminded of the restorative power of nature and the importance of creating spaces that nourish the mind, body and spirit," Leslie Smart, the ballet's CEO, said.
Though the grief seemed inescapable for family members of the victims visiting the garden, time marched on.
"Healing takes time," Mayor Craig Greenberg said, "And that's okay."
"I think what's important is we're seeing another step more than a year later," Gov. Andy Beshear chimed in. "Proof, that we're gonna continue to honor these individuals and try to be better because of their sacrifice."
Louisville Ballet dancers regularly see the tragedy's grave site. Their full-length windows in the practice room look out to the building. Now, they have an escape.
During prayer, Archbishop Shelton Fabre blessed the grounds.
"We gather amid the beauty of your creation," he read aloud, bowing his head. "In the face of tragedy, may you bring us new life and restoration through this garden," he plead with God, "Send your angels to guard it, and bless all who come here. This we pray now and forever, Amen."
On the hallowed ground, Maryanne Elliot and Karen Tutt, took the honor of cutting the ribbon.
They each lost their husbands in the tragedy, but by bringing those spirits to the garden, their smiles show healing is possible even if we can't forget.
The ballet center's garden is open to the public. It came together through donations from Kentucky Colonel Shannon Ralston, the KFC Foundation, the Brightside Foundation, Realm Construction, Sherwin-Williams and Signarama.
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