If you take a stroll down Marion Avenue, just two doors down from Our Place Hotel, you will find a cozy little park. Not a traditional park, but a park nonetheless.

This little park sits where a historic building used to be nestled between two old building that have survived the test of time.

When you arrive at this little park, you will be met by a beautiful arch above you that bears the name of the park, and brick pavers beneath your feet, carrying the names of many current, and former Nashvillians. It's immediately obvious that there is a story that goes with this park. Let me tell you that story.

Hannah's Hope Park is named in memory of Hannah Marie Clayton, and the many others who had their lives shortened by the effects of cancer.

Hannah was born April 7, 1983, and went to her heavenly home on January 18, 2000. Hannah's life was filled with hope, faith, and love.

She was an active leader in her youth group at the First Baptist Church and ranked first in her freshman class at Berrien High School, where she served as a student senator.  She was also a member of the Junior Board of Directors at the United Banking Company.

Hanna was musically gifted and enjoyed playing the piano and flute in her middle and high  school bands. She also loved every form of dance including tap, ballet, and jazz.

At age 14, Hannah was honored to dance the coveted part of Clara in "The Nutcracker" in December, 1997. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma.

During her brief 16 years, Hannah inspired all who knew her with her personal example of faith, passion, vision, generosity and her foundational belief in and love of God. Her personal philosophy was. "Knowing that my ultimate goal is to be with God, I will not worry. I want God to be glorified in my life. It might be that God can be more glorified in my short life than a long life. In either case, I'm okay!"

Hannah was the daughter of Mary Howard and Thomas Clayton and the sister of Andrew Clayton, and Sarah Clayton Ray of Berrien County. Hannah's legacy is one of courage, hope, and eternal life.

So now you know the story, a little park with a big magnificent story. Grab a sack lunch or dinner, and come enjoy the park, gaze at all the love this little town in Georgia has shown to one of their own.

Bask in the love this southern town has for those that live and work here. You are in the heart of the South, the land of sweet tea, supper and gnats, lot's and lot's of gnats.

Those pesky little gnats will come to our minds one day when we get to heaven. We will see that the troubles of this life are a lot like gnat's, just very minor little annoyances, and are only as big and bothersome as we let them be. Life is glorious, whether short, or long, live it with all you have. Make every day count, and thank the God who made you for every minute you draw a breath. Thank Him for every sunrise and sunset. Praise him for family, friends and for a country where we are free to worship Him as we see fit.

 

"Don't insert a period where God only intends a comma."
-Lysa TerKeurst