Thank You Tree

There is this oak tree in our front yard with whom I like to talk…she greets me every morning as I’m about to take my walk. After our greeting this morning…I paused…overcome by a wave of sadness because…I don’t think I ever thanked this tree for everything she does. When I think about this tree…any tree…how quickly I discern how a tree’s life is all about giving while asking for nothing in return. This tree has been around forever…how long is difficult to gauge…because, as she often tells me, you don’t ask a tree it’s age. But all this time has filled her with wisdom…in every branch and leaf and nook…wisdom she will gladly share…if one knows where to look. Under her leaves we have found comfort…it’s where our children and grandchildren played….She helps to clean the air we breathe and has provided us with shade. Her bark has survived all kinds of weather…winds and rains and storms… and reminds us as we all grow older to be proud of the wrinkles that we’ve formed. Her roots run deep into the earth…providing her with strength and stability…and remind us how some of our most important parts are the ones we cannot see. Her leaves not only help her grow and add to her beauty…but drop when the fall winds blow…reminding us how love is as important in holding us together…as it is in letting go. So I went back to the thank my tree…for being so important…so valuable…and ever so beguiling….and as I walked away when I turned back to look…I could see my tree was smiling.