On Wednesday, Sept. 16 the South Arkansas Medical Association (SAMA) dedicated a new pavilion in honor of the late Karen Miller on the grounds of HOPE Landing. Karen Miller, also known as ‘MiMi’ by close friends and family, was a long time and cherished employee at SAMA. She died in March.
To honor her memory, the SAMA team and staff dedicated a pavillion at HOPE Landing to her.
“So many people raised money and gave their vacation days to make this pavilion possible,” Pete Atkinson, CEO of SAMA said during the pavillion dedication ceremony.
When one drives down the driveway of HOPE Landing to the picturesque views of a pond and rolling hills in the distance, they will see beyond the main building a beautifully crafted, light stained wood pavilion. Etched in at the top reads, “MiMi’s Place: In Loving Memory of Karen Miller from her SAMA family.”
A small horse carousel is adjacent to ‘MiMi’s Place’ and the two majestic horses within gallop along, something HOPE Landing staff feels will bring tranquility to those who use the space as they wait for a loved one during an appointment.
“We are truly blessed. This couldn’t have come at a better time because parents are not able to currently come into the clinic because of COVID and it also adds additional therapy space,” Kristi Lowery, executive director of HOPE Landing said.
It is this spirit of service and stepping in to fill a need that embodies the legacy of Karen Miller and why the SAMA family felt doing this pavilion in Miller’s honor at HOPE Landing was fitting.
“She gave so much of herself and was just a joy to be around. We will miss her deeply but it means so much to us that we could do this for her,” Terri Townley of SAMA explained.
Similar sentiments echoed throughout the dedication ceremony, including a testimony from Miller’s brother-in-law and pastor, Gary Sneed.
“She dedicated her life to helping those with mental and intellectual challenges,” Sneed said.
He made the crowd laugh with a prediction about what Karen Miller would say if she was here to see the pavilion.
“She would be hollering, ‘Oh, it is so pretty,’’ Sneed exclaimed. “You could probably hear her all the way in Louisiana.”
As the ceremony came to a close, the sizable crowd, including children that utilize the services offered at HOPE Landing; sat and reminisced on memories of Miller while eating light refreshments. Mike Miller, husband of the late Karen Miller shared his thoughts on the evening.
“This is just so nice, they did a great job. Knowing my wife, she would probably be pleasantly surprised at everybody doing such a wonderful thing for her,” Mike Miller said.
HOPE Landing is a nonprofit organization that provides many services to children with disabilities and welcome donations.