MECHANICSVILLE, Va. - Meg Menzies' mother became overcome with emotion when she started to talk about the support her family has received in the months following Meg's untimely death.
"It's very overwhelming, it's kind," Pam Cross said. "People are so graciously kind."
Meg Menzies' mother Pam Cross
Menzies, a mother of three, was killed while running along the side of a Hanover road back in January. Her story gained national attention as runners around the country shared thoughts and prayers using the #megsmiles hash tag on social media. Meg's husband and others honored her memory during April's running of the Boston marathon.
Outside Cool Spring Baptist Church Monday, a group of volunteers with the Hilliard Park Garden Club started work on a Memory Garden in honor of Meg.
"It's an incredible tribute to her and to who she was as a person," Cross said. "She loved this church."
Garden Club president Vivian Gulden said she did not know Meg, but she knew the impact Meg made on the church and community. She also knew it was important to show Meg's family that they are still loved and supported.
"It is not over when the funeral is over. They need people to support them," Gulden said. "It doesn't matter whether you know someone or not. What matters is you care and you don't stop caring."
Pam Cross said her family is able to "get through the days" and hoped the garden would prove to be a reminder of how much she loved the church.
"It's a comfort to know people are still praying for her family and for her," Cross said.
The Hanover County doctor accused of driving drunk and hitting Menzies was recently accused of tampering with a court ordered alcohol-monitoring device. Michael Carlson was granted bond following Menzies' death provided he wore the device.
He will go before a judge for a show cause hearing where the judge will decide whether Carlson violated the terms of his bond. Carlson is also scheduled to appear in court on July 1 for a hearing connected to the Menzies’ death.
