Beautiful Garden Circle

The Beautiful Garden Circle
by Jude Stevens

In October 1998, an extraordinary man moved into Lake Charles. He was my late husband, Doug Stevens. Doug moved to Florida with his sister, Susan, who has Down syndrome and our two big dogs while I was still living and working in New York.

Doug had the unique ability to bring people together and he did that on Aruba Bay. He decided the island or "circle" in the cul-de-sac should be the place to congregate. Doug and some of his pals (the Aruba Bay Boyz) talked to the builder, Phil Petruzzelli, about a different design. They wanted pavers and palm trees and garden areas instead of a grassy knoll with a tree in the middle. So they collected some cold hard cash, designed the island and the plan was instigated.

Off they went in Doug's truck for benches and tables, pavers and plants. All the neighbors helped with money, toil, moral support or all three.

And it became the place for morning coffee, afternoon coffee, evening coffee and/or cocktails and many long, funny, loud, serious hours of conversation. One of the things Doug did best was talk! The circle was the hub for everyone on our block; there were parties, picnics, one pig roast and impromptu gatherings just to gather. The lights were purchased at Christmas and another tradition was begun. Extension cords ran from house to circle and it glowed with warmth and joy.

Doug and I went to Key West in early September 2001 to "elope" but once there he asked, "After all these years (21) don't you think your Mother and sister should be with us?" So we decided to wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas to marry. Doug also had an ulterior motive; he loved the circle and neighbors so much that he actually wanted to be married there with all the neighbors in attendance.

Doug was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on October 22, 2001, so we quickly put together the wedding for Halloween. My mother suggested we go into business … Weddings-in-a-Week! Of course all the neighbors got together and decorated the circle complete with a flower and tulle covered arch. They also provided a memorial book, flowers for the house and appetizers, champagne and wedding cake. And so we were married in the circle on Halloween with my Mom, my sister Robin, Doug's sister Susan and all our beloved friends and neighbors. It was a bittersweet day, tears of joy and sadness, everyone knowing that Doug was dying but trying to celebrate our day.

Doug insisted we decorate the circle for Christmas that year and he passed away 47 minutes after midnight on Christmas. The circle was dedicated to Doug on his birthday, April 2 in 2002. Since that time the circle isn't used as much; it just isn't the same without Doug's lively, animated conversation but it is still the pride of the block.

Joan and Ken Roberts took over tending the circle a few years ago. They went out and bought mulch and plants and brought it back to life. They didn't ask for contributions or help; they just decided it should be as beautiful as possible. They refused cash so neighbors bought gift certificates to restaurants or Home Depot to thank Joan and Ken, again, without any prompting. This block is a tribute to neighborly thoughtfulness. The circle has never looked more beautiful and it is all because Ken and Joan took it upon themselves to "just do it"!

Every Christmas the lights are dragged out and with much complaining and many laughs the circle is "lit". We usually have a toast to Doug and some expressions of celebration and remembrance as we all stand back and admire the beauty before us.

I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the history of the circle and to thank my friends and neighbors on Aruba Bay for all their kindness toward me. They loved Doug and help me so much even though I am not an "original". I rarely have to ask for help, someone just hears I need something and voila, it is done! This is a wonderful place to live where these beautiful people I love dearly surround me. Thank all of you for your thoughtfulness during my years here on Aruba Bay.

Take a few minutes to drive around the circle now and again at Christmas … you may actually catch a glimpse of Doug's spirit or at least feel it!