THUNDER BAY -- Watching children run through a garden named after her son, Linda Brooks saw something beautiful grow out of tragedy.
A teacher with Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon, 28-year-old Daniel Brooks and his fiancée Michelle Parker were killed in a car crash in March of 2014.
The driver of the other vehcile involved in the crash received a five-year prison sentence for his role in the couple’s death, but the tragedy was still a heavy blow to a place Brooks loved and that loved him like family.
"It was a great place for him to be," Linda said. "He got to help and teach little kids, which was his passion."
Even in death Brooks can now help teach children as the students now have a garden to learn from. On Wednesday those kids had an opportunity to walk and play in the Daniel Brooks Memorial Garden.
Built by student teacher Maurice Thiboutot, the first-time gardener said as a father himself he became a little choked up as children burst through the gates into the garden for the first time.
"It was a sad thing that happened but hopefully he'll be remembered through this," Thiboutot said.
The garden's focal point is a traditional medicine wheel planted with sage, sweet grass, tobacco and cedar. The three sisters, squash, peas and beans are there too.
Potatoes for the kitchen and strawberries are there too, serving the school while honouring the memory of a teacher they loved so much. Thiboutot said he's hoping the garden can help heal the community.
"This is beautiful. This is exactly what a garden should do, really bring the community together," he said.
Seeing children laugh and play in a space that remembers her son, Linda Brooks said it was great to see them having fun.
"They made me smile," she said. "That just made my whole day."
Daniel never wanted to change the world, just help in at least one child's life.
"To know that you have influenced a little soul and guided them in learning and caring for them is to be a successful teacher," Linda said reading the words of her son.
