Mary Ellen Wells, CEO of CentraCare Health Monticello Hospital, welcomed everyone who came to the dedication of the Healing Garden Tuesday afternoon.
Harpist Grace Janssen played soothing music to the crowd who gathered for the ceremony. They included residents from the care center, doctors, nurses and staff from the hospital and members of the community.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said Wells, thanking everyone who made the garden possible.
Wells read a quote from Anne Frank: “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely and unhappy is to go outside, into the healing power of nature.”
“We are all blessed for having this garden here for our patients, our staff and anyone who wants to use it,” she said.
Rev. Jocelyn Bakkemo, who is the first chaplain the hospital has ever had, said the garden speaks to what they think is important in the healing process.
“It’s not just surgical or medical healing,” she said. “There is spiritual healing too.”
A rock commemorating the 50th anniversary of the hospital in the community was placed alongside other inspirational or commemorative rocks near the waterfall.
Rev. Bakkemo quoted from John Burrows: “I go to nature to have my sorrows healed.”
“We created this healing garden for all of you,” she said. “Nature can assist us in the healing journey. It is restorative and relaxing.”
She led in a responsive prayer with those in attendance and finally asked a blessing on the garden.
After the ceremony there were cookies made by the hospital kitchen and iced water to drink as those gathered mingled to admire the garden and share the day.
