Sunday, July 9, 2017

The tree

The little tree was planted when they first bought the property, he stepped back to admire his work and she just shook her head and laughed, that tree is crooked you need to straighten it, it's OK he said, it's not that crooked and it'll straighten as it grows.

Twenty years later, the son in law walked into the back yard and the first thing he noticed was the tree, this was his first visit having only married the daughter three months earlier.

The tree was beautiful, the limbs stretched out overhead almost like a ceiling, all the grandchildren climbed it, and the adults sat in the shade and enjoyed the coolness provided by this wonderful tree with the slightly tilted trunk.

The parents welcomed the new son in law into the family underneath this tree, advice was given and stories told, picnics and holidays, laughter and tears, a lot of this family's life was spent in the shade of this tree.

Twenty years later, the Mom is no longer there, she passed several years back, the son in law and the daughter now make their home here, the tree has withered and lost a lot of branches, the tree continues to lean more and more.
Tree leaning in backyard of our home
He sits out back with the son in law, and the granddaughter;

"Papa that old tree sure is looking bad, shouldn't you have it cut down?" The granddaughter asks.

The son in law adds "I know it's leaning more all the time, but it still has green leaves, I figure it will just ease itself to the ground when it's done."

With a tear in his eye he replies, "that old tree has always leaned, I should have listened to Mom."

51 comments:

  1. not all trees are created equal

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  2. A poignant post. It's always sad when a tree dies.

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    1. Thank you Stephen, that was a grand tree at one time.

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  3. I agree with Stephen---a poignant post. I have a tree like that. Every year it gets lower and lower but when gravity finally takes it it wouldn't damage anything so I see no point in depriving the birds and squirrels, not to mention mean, the benefits of that tree in the meantime. I will be sad when it's gone.

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    1. Hello Jean, Same here when this tree finally drops it will not harm anything, I told Cindy that I'm may become a bench then.

      Cindy's Mom told me the story of when Ray planted that tree for her, and the conversation when our daughter mentioned cutting is down was very recent.

      That tree will not be cut down on my watch....too much history in it.

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  4. I agree that was poignant I think the tree looks nice it's quite unique

    Have a nice day & thanks for stopping by :-)

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    1. Thank you Steve, it does have a unique look to it.

      A great day to you also and it was a pleasure to have you stop by, you are welcome anytime.

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  5. He should have listened indeed. The conversation would have been so different now.

    Bittersweet post.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

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    1. Hello Sandee, He usually did listen to her :)

      Thank you Sandee I appreciate you.

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  6. If it was straight it would not have as much character.

    Excellent post!

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    1. Very true Joe the lean does give it character.

      Thank you Sir.

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  7. A very touching story, Jimmy. If trees really could tell stories!

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    1. Yes Bijoux, if they could only tell stories, it would be interesting to hear the tales they would tell.

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  8. It gives more shade this way. And more memories. I'm really surprised it didn't straighten up when it was young, though. That tree was meant to be bent.

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    1. Hello Val, it always had a slight lean to it in the length of time I have been here, just the last few years it has begun to really lean over, yes a lot of memories for a lot of people here.

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  9. We all start to lean as we get older...a little more each year.....it\s a lovely old tree and has served the family well. It will know when it's time to go.

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    1. Hi Delores, yes I too find myself leaning a little more on some days than others, this tree has been here through a lot of family members, I wouldn't have the heart to take it down, like you said it will know when it's time.

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  10. I have a butterfly tree I planted that got pushed down by the wind. I pushed it back up But it still leans. I keep telling myself I will get her propped back up straight but so far two years have passed. Still leaning. Ill fix it when I trim it back this fall.
    Cute story.
    Lisa

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    1. Hey Lisa, maybe your butterfly tree is destined to be a leaner.

      Thank you Mam

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  11. I hate it when trees have to be cut down, but sometimes it just has to be that way.

    This tree looks like it makes for easy climbing for little kids, though!

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    1. Yes it is an easy one for the little guys to climb, our Grandson sure spent a lot of time climbing it last time he visited.

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  12. We've had a few trees die recently. It's always sad to see them go. Looks like your tree has had a good life.

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    1. Hi Joey, I hate losing a tree also, I can't believe how small this one looks now when it was once so massive, it has done well for many years.

      Good to see you Joey.

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  13. It's a beautiful tree, as all trees are and I don't think it's too late to prop it up with something sturdy to keep it going a few more generations.

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    1. Hello River, that's an idea, I would love to see it still leaning many years from now.

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    2. I think you should try that!!

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    3. Hello Fran, I'll have to look into that ;)

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  14. I like to think the trees have a wisdom we're not aware of. I read somewhere that the reason a wise tree heads for the ground is because loved ones are buried there. It's a nice thought if nothing else!

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    1. Good morning Valerie, that is a beautiful thought, a wise tree heads for the ground because loved ones are buried there, very nice, Thank you.

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  15. I was thinking along the lines of River also. It has more memories to give and even us old folks need a bit of propping as time bends us.

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    1. Hey Patti, I've had to be propped up more than once, so it's not a bad idea.

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  16. This is a beautiful piece - and a gorgeous tree. It holds too many precious memories to come down because it isn't quite straight. After all, which of us is as tall as we were...
    I hope it can be supported to give pleasure for many more years, and create some more magic memories.

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    1. Thank you EC, I appreciate your kind words, yes this tree is almost like a member of the family, I will need to look into getting some support for it, if it comes down will be in its own time and not by my hand.

      Glad to have you join us EC

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  17. I Wasn't expecting it, but this story actually brought tears to my eyes. Even though we get older, and may not stand as straight as we used to, or drive as well as we used to, we're still here with life and wisdom to offer. Thanks for such a fantastic post! Hugs...RO

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    1. Hello RO, I am honored to have you enjoy this post so much, Cindy's Dad like the tree is still with us but slowing down, he needs help but still has so much to offer in his knowledge and wisdom.

      Thank you for joining in with us.

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  18. Great post and story, I enjoyed reading it, such a small thing about a tree on a lean can make up a great tale.

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    1. Thank you so much, I am happy that you enjoyed it and hope to see you again.

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  19. Sweet story about the old tree Jimmy, loved it!

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  20. Good to see you also, will stop by for a visit.

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  21. "I figure it will just ease itself to the ground when it's done."
    I love this tree now.

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    1. I agree with you Abby, looking at it just this morning thinking of propping it up but think I just may have to let it be.

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  22. I love trees whatever shape or size ... or lean!
    Such a very nice post to read, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hello Jan, I understand that I too love any tree and hate to lose any of them.

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  23. It has character! So many wonderful memories it must have. I hope it continues to lean and not progressively lean for a lot of years ahead.

    betty

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    1. Hi Betty, yes it does I agree with you, and like you I hope it remains as it is.

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  24. Talk about a will to live!
    No way that tree should ever be cut down.
    Nice story Jimmy...

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    1. Hey Pat, that tree will not be cut down as long as I'm here.

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