Water fountain memorializes grandson

Michelle Christenson/Caller-Times

John Watson (from left), Leslie Jackson and her husband, Reggie, sit next to a water fountain that honors Leslie and Reggie's son, Steven, who died in a car accident a year ago. Steven's grandfather, Don Dyer, raised money to build the fountain, which is located at the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens.

   A lighted urn-shaped water fountain at the Rose Garden entrance of the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens will reunite, at least in spirit, Don Dyer and his grandson, in the garden, where both spent many hours coaxing roses from the soil.
   Dyer's grandson, 17-year-old Steven Jackson, was killed in a head-on collision a year ago on Interstate 37.
   In life, Steven, when not working a shift at Whataburger, could often be found helping prune, weed and fertilize 63 rose bushes at his grandfather's home.
   Now, Dyer said, his grandson will be his garden angel at the botanical gardens, where Dyer and fellow members of the Corpus Christi Rose Society help maintain 300 rose bushes.
   "Every time I see that fountain, I'll know that Steven is there," 82-year-old Dyer said.
   "He'll always be there with me."
   The $7,500 memorial, paid for by 42 contributions from family, members of Steven's church, family friends, businesses and other individuals, will be unveiled Saturday at the Botanical Gardens' Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale. The 4¤ -foot fountain, made of cantera stone from Mexico, features a classical urn design with carved flowers gracing the sides of the bowl and lights submerged in its 7¤ -foot diameter pool.
   When Steven's parents, Reggie and Leslie Jackson, got a private viewing of the lighted fountain earlier this week, both were overwhelmed.
   "So many people have made this all possible," Leslie Jackson said. "And it's so special because Steven loved roses. It's a beautiful memory to have. It makes where the fountain is located such a peaceful place. Hopefully, many people from Corpus will also enjoy it."
   Deanna Payne, a longtime friend of the Jacksons, said teamwork made the fountain possible. While Payne took charge of fund-raising, John Watson, another friend, spearheaded the memorial project. Watson and Scott Shankoff designed the fountain. Other local businesses also donated construction material and labor.
   "This gesture of ours can't change anything," Payne said, "but perhaps it can make people more aware of their responsibilities when behind the wheel of a car."
   Steven was a passenger in a truck being driven by his 17-year-old friend Charles Avalos Jr. Their truck rolled and burst into flames March 19, 2000, when it collided head-on with another truck that was traveling on the wrong side of the road. Avalos also died in the collision.
   "When I first got word about Steven, I sat down by my typewriter and wrote a poem," titled "The Meaning of the Rose," Dyer said.
   In it, Dyer likened Steven to a rosebud just starting to open.
   And for as long as he lives, Dyer said, Steven will be that perfect, beautiful rose in the fertile garden of his grandfather's memory.