The view from here is drastically different.
Many longtime followers will recall that I frequently photograph the big elm tree in my front yard. Sadly, it had fallen ill in recent years and was slowly dying.
This mighty elm that I grew up with, that provided shelter and shade to me and countless critters here on the ridge, was felled last month while I was in my blogging hiatus.
He was in bad shape and I had been in denial for some time. Still, he put up a good fight as he harbored a secret- a long ago forgotten piece of metal, embedded deep inside his trunk. That metal bit back at the logger’s saw.
I was proud of him right up until the end.
And so, my favorite tree is now a log and a pile of limbs in my front yard. Soon, I will begin working on a replacement that will give my view new perspective and will someday carry on the tradition of providing shelter to all who gather beneath its branches.
Perhaps it’s silly to mourn a tree in this way. If that’s the case, I don’t really care. That tree was a good friend, an object of beauty and an important part of my ecosystem. I have missed it every day and wonder if I’ll ever get used to the new view.
It is said that one who plants trees knowing they will never sit in their shade has begun to understand the meaning of life. Here’s hoping I live long enough to sit in the shade of whatever I plant here. Still, I like knowing that it will outlive me and will grow tall and beautiful for future generations of critters to enjoy.
It’s not silly at all to mourn a lifelong friend, be they plant or animal.
Keep a piece of the wood and make something out of it, that way you will always have a connection with your beloved tree.
Certainly plant another, safe in the knowledge that we plant tress not for ourselves, but for those still to be born; such is the cycle of the natural world.
Dookes
I look forward to planting something new in the spring! Actually, it will be more than one but I have some planning to do before deciding what and how many.
I did grab a few pieces to place in an unused fireplace in my house. They are now wrapped in white twinkle lights and are a beautiful nod to my old friend.
Thanks for your kind words!
It’s not silly to mourn a tree at all! Trees are a gift and a joy in life. I like the idea of the comment below – to keep a piece and create something out of it.
Thank you Betty!
I hope you take a piece of that special tree and create a lifelong memory of it!
Thank you so much!!
Sorry to hear that your mature elm tree is slowly dying. It’s always a bit sad to see and hear about old trees being knocked down, even if it’s their time.
It was certainly his time but it was hard to see him go.