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Christopher Maki was killed in 1997 during a robbery
By Diane C. Beaudoin
Sentinel & Enterprise
March 21, 2002
LUNENBURG- A dried-up stream bed- a permanent scar carved into
the earth- will soon be transformed into a garden of Peace that
will serve as a memorial to victims of homicide, and a Lunenburg
family is involved in its creation.
Raymond and Jane Maki have experienced the pain of a child's untimely
death. Their son Christopher Lars Maki was murdered on Nov. 5, 1997,
at the age of 30.
An environmental chemist, Christopher was living and working in
Charlotte, N.C. He died during a robbery. His attackers stabbed
him 31 times, stole his credit cards and left him to die on the
roadside. They were apprehended soon after the murder as they attempted
to use his credit card to buy cigarettes they planned to re-sell
to buy drugs.
After Christopher's death his parents turned to support groups
to help them cope with their loss. Their involvement with the Alpha
Resource Center, a support group that helps people go on after losing
a loved one in a homicide, led to their learning about the Garden
of Peace Memorial organization. "This is the most emotionally
devastating thing, to lose your child to a homicide," Jane
Maki said. "This garden will help turn the event into something
positive."
Conceptual plans for the memorial garden are under way. It will
be located in Boston, in a dried up streambed near the State House.
Jane Maki said that plans call for river stones- all approximately
the same size, to remind those who see them that death is the great
equalizer- to be engraved with the names of murder victims and their
dates of birth and death. The riverbed will be full of water, to
signify its role as the giver of life. The stones bearing the victims'
names and information will be set into dry ground nearby.
A landscape designer, Catherine Medina, and sculptor Judy Kensley
McKie, both members of the Parents of Murdered Children group, came
up with the idea for the memorial garden. They envision it as reflecting
the various stages of grief, healing and hope.
Plans for the Garden of Peace also include a series of walkways,
seats, and a bronze sculpture depicting three ibises rising skyward.
The ibis is a heron like bird that symbolized resurrection to the
ancient Egyptians.
Construction is expected to be done by spring 2003.
"This garden is so important to people who have undergone
this type of loss. It will be a peaceful place to remember those
who have had a violent ending," Jane Maki said. "Unfortunately,
when you experience this, it is no a vision that you do not lose.
We do know that Chris put up a heck of a fight right till the end."
Raymond Maki finds it inconceivable that someone would end his
son's life in such a violent manner. "There are so many innocent
victims- people that were senselessly taken away," he said.
"Chris was walking home form a restaurant. He was only 300
yards form his home."
His wife said, "You spend so much time thinking how you will
survive this, having to wake up every morning and reprocess the
fact that your child is dead. The first few months that is all you
do. You hope that it is only a bad dream, then you realize that
this is forever."
"It is something you would never wish on your worst enemy."
Christopher was not the Maki's only child; he had two younger siblings.
"Our other two children are coping in their own ways,"
their mother said. "Twins Amy and Andrew, less than two years
younger than Chris, feel his presence with them. Amy is working
very hard on the garden project, making it a reality." The
Makis want to keep Christopher's memory alive. Jane Maki visits
the Lunenburg schools, speaking to children about violence and bullying.
"The children write an essay on violence, and the best one
receives a savings bond," she said.
A major fund raising campaign is in progress to ensure that the
Garden of Peace is completed and maintained; names of major donors
will be permanently inscribed on a granite wall in the garden.
For information on dedicating a river stone, contact the Garden
of Peace at P.O. Box 8382, Boston, MA 02114, or e-mail gardenofpeace@earthlink.net.
  
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