FRIDAY HARBOR, Washington – A rare spring sunshine cast shadows in the PeaceHealth Peace Island Cancer Care Garden in late March illuminating a beautiful new addition to the space. Nestled near blossoming hellebores, the smooth granite Oki-gata lantern appeared to be in the spotlight as sunshine washed overhead from above.
The lantern, a new addition to the garden, was donated by Carolyn Haugen, Peace Island volunteer, in remembrance of her sister-in-law who passed away from cancer in October 2017. A conversation between friends led to the memorial donation which occurred in late March. “We felt the lantern could be a positive source of peace and comfort for patients undergoing infusion treatment,” says Carolyn. “The donation is meaningful not only to my sister-in law, but to our family.”
Lanterns are important elements of Japanese gardens and their use originates from an old tradition that came to Japan from China and Korea. The Oki-gata lantern is made from granite with a blue stone base and sits quietly in the courtyard garden. The lanterns, symbolic of nature, represent finding beauty in the imperfection and the impermanence in the natural world.
The community is invited to visit the garden and enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of the beautiful space. A very special thanks to Carolyn Haugen for her thoughtfulness and generosity. Her gift brings comfort and healing to patients in our community receiving cancer treatment.
###
About PeaceHealth: Based in Vancouver, Wash., PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, a 10-bed Critical Access Hospital in Friday Harbor, serves communities in the San Juan Islands. Key services include general and orthopedic surgery, oncology, behavioral health, and primary care.
