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| Oak Tree |
On the first day of spring 2011, I transplanted three trees from my brother Jim’s yard. Eight months later and in the heart of fall, the trees are thriving and I believe he is smiling down on them.
(Look here at pictures of the trees when I planted them in March:http://annie-allthingsimportant.blogspot.com/2011/04/trees-and-prayers-for-life.html )
Yesterday I built a mulch bed around each tree to blanket them for the extra cold winter predicted for this year. I started to weep. It’s impossible to convey all the emotion tossing in my skull but it can be summed up in a simple way: I miss him.
Still crying and on impulse rather than thought, I hugged the little tree. I then climbed to the top of the yard and gave Jim’s oak tree and crabapple tree a hug also. Sitting in the bright, blinding sunshine under the little oak tree my weeps turned to sobs, dampening the ground with my tears.
Before going inside, I gave each tree another hug and in process created an alternate yet more literal definition of the term “tree hugger.”
Crabapple Tree (left) and Magnolia Tree (right)
Annie, Tears of grief seem to breach out so unexpectedly and so true. Do you know a song by Oscar Brown, Jr. called "A Tree and me"? Lotsa love. Topper
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know Oscar Brown, Jr. I couldn't find a version on youtube of him singing it (a couple of covers) and finally found the lyrics, which i share here. I love you so much my dear Topper!
ReplyDeleteA TREE AND ME - Lyrics
PLEASE CARVE
NO COLD HEADSTONE
FOR ME,
BUT RATHER PLANT
A SAPLING TREE;
AND LAY MY ASHES
`NEATH ITS FOOT,
SO THROUGH MY BODY
IT TAKES ROOT.
THEN AS THE SEASONS
COME AND GO,
MY MONUMENT
AND I WILL GROW;
WAVE BRIGHT GREEN FLAGS
AT SUMMER`S SKY,
AND HARBOR BIRDS
WHO HAPPEN BY.
WE`LL BRONZE
EACH AUTUMN BLOOM
SPRING,
AND WEAR
THE WHITE COATS
WINTER BRING.
THE TREE I MARRY
WITH MY DUST,
WILL HUSBAND ME
WITH ROOTED THRUSTS.
OUR SEED WILL SCATTER
FAR AND WIDE,
ACROSS
GOD`S FERTILE COUNTRYSIDE;
AND SOON
AN ARBOR FAMILY
WILL SHARE
OUR IMMORTALITY,
A TREE AND ME,
A TREE AND ME.
Thanks for the lyrics!
ReplyDeleteOscar Brown, Jr. was a unique singer/songwriter from the sixties and surrounds. I was a big fan. His music is still available, though I think he is with a sapling tree.
He came to a resort in Ojai CA when Georgia was about 8. I took her to see him. Musical, dramatic, funny, touching, fun. A real gem. Loved him.
Hi Annie,
ReplyDeleteI know all too well what you have been experiencing. It is good to know that the trees from your brother's yard are doing well. Take care. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy
(((Hugs))) Annie. I know.
ReplyDeletePlanting a tree in memory of someone is so important. I proves that we live on and as we do we are able to remember about the loved ones we've lost. The tree at the edge of our property, Paul's tree, is so dear to me - and it is growing wildly for him.
ReplyDelete