Thank You – For Turning Grief Into a Garden of Grace
As we celebrate Kodama’s 25th Anniversary, we are honored and humbled by stories like yours—stories that remind us of koi’s extraordinary power to heal, to connect, and to carry love across time and space.
The sanctuary you created for Rachaeli is more than a pond—it is a living tribute to memory, presence, and eternal love. In your words, we see how koi are more than living art; they are quiet companions in our deepest moments of sorrow and joy. Your journey is one of transformation—of building beauty and peace from unimaginable loss, and of letting koi be the bridge between worlds.
Customer Story By: Eric F.
“I like to envision my daughter sitting beside me at the pond. Rachaeli is planted on my lap as we hand feed the magnificent koi that greet us each morning with vibrancy and wonder. Her hands are so little; her eyes so wide. While my child has no words, she makes small breath sounds as we listen for what the koi might be whispering. And as they dance through the water, I imagine they too are celebrating this moment of transcendent connection. Here, in this small corner of the universe, we have created a nexus, a sacred space where we move beyond the surface and into the eternal. I am at peace. I feel Rachaeli’s smile.
In this scene, my child is still alive – eagerly engaging with the beauty that surrounds us. Though it’s been years since I’ve held her in my arms, she is still very much with me. Every morning I whisper to her, an invitation to join me to visit our koi. This is Rachaeli’s pond – a hidden, magical space nestled in the far corner of the garden I created in her memory. It’s an island of serenity I return to – to find my child; to find myself.
Our pond is an oasis I designed – out of love but also out of need. When my child died, creating a sanctified space felt nothing less than essential. I began to dig this pond with an overwhelming sense of urgency and purpose. Here I would return, again and again, to feel my child’s presence. Together – her soul tethered with mine – we would nurture the living entity that became our shared creation.
Caring for our pond, I’ve learned to listen for the magnificent silences; to sit in awe at the complexity of the biosphere; to joyfully welcome new life and to humbly accept death as an essential element thereof. I have learned to dance with the dragonflies and to sing with the croaking of visiting frogs. I sit beside a living, breathing sound-bath; a sanctuary that invites me to tap into deeper truths – about love, about transcendence, about living mindfully. And I hold my child tightly, just as she holds me.”
CUSTOMER’S GALLERY : ERIC F
VIDEO GALLERY : ERIC F
Celebrating 25 Years of Kodama Koi Farm: A Legacy of Passion, Tradition, and Excellence
As we celebrate 25 years of Kodama Koi Farm, we extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, partners, and dedicated team.
Your trust and support have been the foundation of our success, and we are honored to have you as part of the Kodama family. Every koi we deliver carries our passion and commitment, but it is your dedication to this beautiful art that keeps the koi community thriving. Learn more.
I enjoyed reading each of the koi stories, but this one literally took my breath away.
Thank you, thank you for sharing this. I am so deeply moved by your words, your story, and seeing the magic garden you have created in memory of your precious child. This is such a gift.
The aesthetic of this pond is EXACTLY what I would want to create. I haven’t yet started my own pond project but this was the inspiration I needed! I even watched these videos a few times to catch every tiny detail. The story behind this pond explains its beauty. I am so sorry about the loss of your child and so touched to read what you have created through your grief.