Togetherness through tragedy

Tears, song and heartfelt words were shared last night remembering the life of 12-year-old Rebeca Medrano who passed away Sunday from injuries she suffered during an accident.

Students, faculty, parents and community members gathered to remember Medrano last night with a memorial service at Parkside Intermediate, where Medrano was a seventh grade student. Medrano passed away Sunday days after sustaining injuries when she rode her bicycle into a vehicle at the intersection of Niles Avenue at Oak Avenue after school Wednesday, May 14. Medrano was traveling east on Niles Avenue when she hit the vehicle traveling south on Oak Avenue, according to San Bruno police. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

"Her life has touched us,” said Principal Angela Addiego to a standing-room only crowd. "She was a happy child; a bright child. What better gift for her to pass on than to bring us together.”

Balloons, flowers, pictures, candles, signed soccer balls, T-shirts and stuffed animals adorned the long table in front of the crowd in the school’s cafeteria. People lined up for a chance to leave thoughts in memory books and read the words left by others.

A number of students braved the crowd to share their own poems about the incident.

Syma Khan, 12, described a normal day without any worries.

"In the blink of an eye, I lose a person who always made me smile. ... You are always in our hearts. I will forever miss your beautiful face,” she said.

Another girl shared, "No matter how much I cry, you will never come back.”

A number of religious leaders were in attendance sharing their words of guidance through a difficult time but also celebrating the unity that grew from a tragedy. One of those leaders was Medrano’s uncle, Napoleon Medrano.

"All who knew who were touched. It was hard not to be. When you saw her smile, it gave you hope that the rest of the day would be a good day,” he said.

He shared how Medrano’s life could serve as a guide for the traits everyone should try to embrace; most important of those was a love for others. He finished his time by singing "Amazing Grace.”

A memorial began developing on campus in front of the Parkside Intermediate sign Monday. School officials requested any flowers, balloons or notes be left there instead of the accident site which is a busy intersection.

A memorial fund was started in Medrano’s honor. Checks or cash gifts can be brought to the school office or mailed to Parkside PTO, 1801 Niles Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066. Checks should be made to Parkside PTO.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.