Monday, April 15, 2013

The Old Maple Tree


We have admired this tree since we moved into our home sixteen years ago. It has provided us with sap for maple syrup, it has provided shelter to many, many birds and always provided much needed shade during the hot humid days of summer.

As I looked out back on Friday afternoon at the old maple tree there was a sadness in my heart at the loss of such a great tree. Mother Nature covered her in ice Thursday evening and most of Friday morning. Under the pressure of so much weight she just couldn't hold her own anymore.

She let go.

I stood quietly and offered gratitude for her beauty, her strength and for everything she provided for us and the other living things in our world. Reece stood with me, looking at her, and then calmly looked up at me with a smile and said, "It gave us sap and now it will give us wood."

Such sweet, wise words from my little man. They melted my heart and made me smile too.

30 comments:

  1. Sounds like Reece has a true appreciation for they cycle of nature...what a smart boy :)

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    1. It seems he does and it makes this mama pretty darn proud :)

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  2. Wise words from Reece. The tree has come full circle - and it will long live with you through the wood it will provide :)

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    1. Full circle, yes. And you have some of the lovely syrup from this tree :)

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  3. We are always sad when we lose a tree as well. They are beautiful and provide shade! I bet you will be planting a new maple in the future that is assuming there isn't a baby maple already there to take your old maple's place.

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    1. That was the light, the hope of a few baby maples being able to reach up toward the light now. Fingers crossed.

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  4. Wow- Reece just gets it. He is amazing. So sorry about your tree.

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  5. Oh so sad - but what a lovely perspective!

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    1. It is, but his words totally changed my view :)

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  6. Love it! Kids are so amazing! :)

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  7. So wise, indeed. Always sad to see a tree come down.

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    1. Broke my heart, but like he said, now we have wood :)

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  8. a wise little man, indeed. :)

    there is such a fondness for trees. I remember a few years ago we had a surprise ice storm in early October. We lost half of our fruit trees. I remember looking out the window and seeing my favorite tree completely uproot itself and topple over. the most majestic cherry tree I have ever seen. yes, I cried for a tree that day.

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    1. Thanks Amanda. There were a few tears shed for this tree too.

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  9. Kim, I understand those sad feelings! I always have a hard time when a tree goes down, especially big old ones which have seen so much. I am sorry about your tree!
    Out of the mouths of babes. . .they are so wise aren't they!

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    1. Thank you Melanie. And yes, so wise indeed.

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  10. They are usually good for helping you to see the good in the bad. Rest in peace old beauty!

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  11. What profound words. Ah, I understand your pain, though. Trees make the dearest, oldest friends. Losing one is big deal.

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  12. Such a beautiful post Kim. It reminds me of the article in the wood issue of Taproot. Makes my heart ache any time I see trees damaged in anyway.

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    1. Thanks KC. It is so hard to say good bye to trees, especially ones with so much history.

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  13. You have a very wise young man! It all continues.

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  14. It's always hard to think something as sturdy and seemingly lasting as a majestic tree can change and one day even disappear. How sweet Reece's thoughts were!

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    1. It is, but to hear his thoughts put it all in perspective.

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  15. I loved when I read Reece's phrase on twitter. Such a wise boy already.

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    1. He is, and it makes my heart so very happy.

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