Elizabeth Maynard

We honor Elizabeth’s memory with the symbols on the quilt square. In the center the tree of life. Rooted in the Earth, while reaching for the stars, the Tree of Life symbolizes balance and harmony, spiritual growth, rebirth and the inter-connections of all that is. Recognizing Beth’s Celtic roots, we include the traditional Scots Garlic expression “Gus Am Bris an La”-Until the breaking of the day. The small spheres surrounding the Tree of Life symbolize the four elements clockwise they are: earth, air, water, and fire. These represent the diverse energies which exist in the world; all needed, all important and all coming together to embody unity and one-ness. In the top left, bass and treble clefs create a swirling design in remembrance and love for Beth’s exceptional contralto voice and her heart for song. Moving to the top right, clasped hands honor Beth’s commitment to her calling as a mental health counselor, taking to heart the cares of those among us most in need. The bottom right corner bears a compass design, commemorating Beth’s love of adventure, her plans for the future, journey and her long-held dream of vagabonding in an SUV with a luggage rack. Finally, the symbol on the lower left corner is the Adinkra symbol for peacemaking. Beth’s heart was tender; she advocated for those who had no voice and looked for the best in all of us. The world is a better place because she was here. She touched our lived and hearts and will live on in the memory of those who love her.