We were so touched when Max’s former school, Roberts Elementary, in Suwanee, reached out and said they planned to include his image in a mural.
Nearly two years ago, Max’s foundation donated to the special needs department at Roberts. We knew the funds were being put toward a revamp of the sensory room. It’s a therapeutic environment for students, a calm space for them to take intentional breaks during the day when they may feel overwhelmed. Among the new equipment purchased, they have a new hammock swing, LED sensory bubble tubes, fiber optic waterfall lights, adaptive lounge seating, and weighted blankets. Local artist (and a Roberts parent) Julia Davis, was recently hired to put the final touch on the room: a mural of outer space, with our Max featured as an astronaut among the stars.
It was an amazing gift to us for Roberts to include Max in this beautiful artwork. The staff at that school is unparalleled, truly, and the way they’ve remembered and honored our boy is such a comfort. Words cannot convey just how grateful we are for their love.
This mural was also especially emotional for me, as Max and I share a connection with the moon. It may sound trite, but I could tell you so many moon references between he and I, a few of which have occurred since he passed away. Our friends at Roberts were not aware of this, so I consider it not a coincidence, but one of those God things, or maybe a smile from Max; a reminder that, broken as my heart may be, the love and connection between my son and I is unchanged.
