Stephanie Ramirez
The Harlem Bench Dedicated to Amber Douglas-Arango
In the heart of Harlem, there stands a bench in a park—an unassuming yet profoundly significant monument made by the track team of PS/IS 187 to honor the life of their Coach Douglas, or how I know her as, my happy Aunt, Amber. Nestled within the busy cityscape, this bench serves as a hallowed ground where memories gather, laughter resounds, and the legacy of a beloved coach lives on through the footsteps of those she inspired. Amber was more than a mentor; she was a guiding light, a beacon of hope for the young souls she nurtured on and off the track, including my own. As the coach of the school track team, she imparted not only athletic prowess but also invaluable life lessons of happiness, determination, and self-belief.
The inscription adorning the weathered wooden surface of the bench bears witness to the enduring impact of Ambers legacy—a name, a date, and a dedication from the track team she so passionately mentored. It stands as a testament to the profound bond shared between coach and athletes, a bond made in Harlem. As I look at the bench, surrounded by the rhythmic pulse of the city, I am reminded that even though she is not here in person, she never left our hearts. Here, amidst the urban life, I find solace in the memories of what it felt to be loved unconditionally. No matter your background, your age, your race, your beliefs, Amber always found a way to include and consider everyone.
The bench in Harlem’s park is more than just a memorial; it is a living testament to the transformative power of mentorship and the enduring impact of a single individual on the lives of many. It serves as a reminder that greatness knows no boundaries and that dreams, no matter how audacious, are within reach with dedication, perseverance, and a guiding hand to light the way. Strangers may never know the woman whose memory we honor here, but her legacy lives on through the seeds of inspiration she planted in the fertile soil of their hearts. I could only wish that each passerby who pauses to rest upon the bench could’ve gotten the chance to meet our dear Amber.
Through their shared moments of reflection, the bench becomes a sacred space where the spirit of Amber resides, guiding and inspiring all who seek solace within its embrace. As I rise from the bench, my heart heavy with the weight of memories and the knowledge of a life cut short, I am reminded that though Amber may no longer walk among us, her spirit endures in the hearts of those she touched. As long as there are dreams to chase, races to run, and benches to rest upon, her legacy will live on, a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. And though the bench may weather and fade with time, the memories it holds will endure for eternity, a testament to the everlasting power of love and remembrance.
