Requiem for a protector
I’m not sure what it means that each of the biggest trees in the last three homes I’ve lived in came down.
(Hopefully nothing…)
When we moved to where we now are two years ago, it was apparent that this old maple would not be around too much longer - still bearing a large lightning scar from decades ago which was slowly taking its toll.
Still, we had hoped it would be the guardian at our back for at least a few more summers.
But, alas, it was not to be.
As fierce storms dropped heavy limbs one by one, it was feared that it was only a matter of time before some damage to the house or other structures was inevitable.
She gave us delicious shade from the late afternoon sun, refuge to hundreds of birds, and, as we discovered in the week before she came down, shelter for a raccoon.
At the time that I write this, I realize there are far greater tragedies happening in the world. And even the loss of a tree isn’t really a tragedy... just a loss.
But, still, it is a reminder that all things do pass.
As I stand to occupy the same physical heart-space where just a day before stood a grand 80+ year old maple, I marvel at these things:
… that loss is inevitable, and that the external projection of beauty and well-being can sometimes bely the deep rot and decomposition taking over from within ... even though a natural process;
… that we do not grow from the ground up, but like a tree, from the center out;
… that when I lack the trust that my own roots are deep enough to ground me and withstand the storms to come, I can borrow hers ...
… that even as I draw from this mighty tree’s deep and wide and sturdy roots, I recognize those roots, as well as trunk, branches, and leaves have grown as a manifestation of need - need for water, for stability, for protection, for light, for wind - while simultaneously giving shade, protection, nutrients, oxygen, thereby dancing in the flow of giving and relationship with the ecology around it.
And, lastly, I marvel that this edifice upon which I stand will someday too disappear, and yet, always remain integrated into the eternal flow of life and death.
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May I exist in that seamless flow and paradox: that my very reaching to meet my needs also serves to make me stronger, grow me deeper and allow me to meet the needs of others.
May it be for you as well.
