James Cota
James Cota, Tears |
On September 24, 2003, the Rocori School District and the Cold
Spring, MN, community experienced a tragedy beyond comprehension.
Two young men, Aaron Rollins, 17, and Seth Bartell, 14, were
killed in a school shooting at Rocori High School. I knew Aaron
through my daughter, who was also a senior, and his mother,
whom I worked with for 25+ years. I offered to assist the families
in any way that I could and was later asked if I could help
them design a memorial that would act as a visible reminder
of that day to help prevent it from happening again, and to
promote healing and hope.
The RAYS OF HOPE Memorial was dedicated in August of 2004.
My photograph, titled “Tears,” was taken on my
way to work this past fall in 2005. As I approached the Memorial,
I noticed that it appeared dry although there was a light
rain. As I drove past, turned, and looked again, I noticed
that the top surfaces of the two columns were wet with water
flowing down the front face like tears of sadness. All the
other sides were dry. I determined that the conditions were
such that the light rain was coming straight down with little
or no wind present. I found that to be quite unusual. Since
the shooting, many tears have been shed by the families of
the boys, friends and the community. Being its designer, I
have observed RAYS OF HOPE Memorial under many conditions,
but none that evoked such emotion. It brought back my memories
of the school shooting at Rocori High School. Shock, when
I first heard the news. Fear, not knowing if my two daughters
were safe. Relief, when I knew that they were all right. Guilt,
over that relief…that it had happened to someone else’s
children…not mine. Joy, when my two daughters came home
safely. Sympathy, for the families and friends who lost loved
ones. Anger than another student would react in such a violent
manner, as well as, the reality that my children were not
safe…even at school.
 The
RAYS OF HOPE Memorial is a place to shed tears, mourn, reflect,
remember, heal and learn. The Memorial is a peaceful place
and serves as a reminder to prevent future violence…hope
for the future.
|
