Tollison Garden dedicated
by Jennifer Hilliard
On a beautiful autumn day befitting the occasion, the Betty Browning Tollison Reflection Garden, an “oasis” in the middle of the busy MCG campus, was dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 3.
The garden memorializes Mrs. Tollison, the late wife of Dr. Joseph W. Tollison, professor and chair emeritus of the Department of Family Medicine, who died of cancer in May 1995.
“This dedication is not to sanctify Betty but to honor her spirit for her unwavering support for her physician husband,” said Dr. J. Michael Ash, vice president for administration. “In a more global sense, this place is recognition for those husbands, wives and partners who provide support for MCG’s physician faculty who employ their skills in science and art in the areas of clinical care, internal and external administrative leadership, professional development and research.”
The university, with the Tollison family’s endorsement, created the garden for MCG patients and families. The half-acre space, a place to reflect and meditate, includes a reflection pool and benches.
“Strength comes from small things – a quiet moment of reflection in a pool of water, holding hands with a loved one as we contemplate a serious health care decision, a family resting from the rigors of an ICU vigil,” said Pat Sodomka, senior vice president for patient- and family-centered care for MCG Health, Inc. and director of the Center for Patient- and Family-Centered Care at MCG. “A place like this is strengthening for families and all of our caregivers. This is a place for all of us to unburden ourselves and to seek solace and comfort.”
Dr. and Mrs. Tollison were high school sweethearts in Easley, S.C. After they married, she was devoted to her children and supported their school activities. She eventually ventured into interior design and opened a business – Browning’s Fabrics – in downtown Augusta. She volunteered with her church and children’s schools.
“Patients and families are dealing with issues of life, death, joy at new births, sadness associated with disease and disability just a few feet from where we stand now,” said MCG President Daniel W. Rahn. “All are part of the human condition. We dedicate this garden today as an oasis, for them and for ourselves as well, from the roar of scientific activity, education and health care that too often overfills each day, and we welcome to our campus a beautiful place to just be.”
Future
plans for the garden include a statue provided by Wachovia Corporation; a
donor wall to recognize individuals and corporations that provided principal
financial support for the garden; and a memorial brick program to enable MCG
personnel, friends, patients and patients’ families to acknowledge special
people.
“Betty always led with her heart and she would love what this garden represents,” said Dr. Tollison, now senior vice president of the American Board of Family Medicine. “She would truly love it because she would know what it will do for future generations. This place will provide a retreat, and, long after we are forgotten, there will still be souls benefiting from this wonderful place.”