Thursday June 8, 2017  THE CONTINUING SAGA

The following blog was instigated as a response to a friend’s email about a previous blog written on June 6, 2017  “A SOUND YOU NEVER FORGET.”

EMAIL:

“Hi KM,

You never did mention how much damage it did to your neighbor’s house when the tree fell on it.

Did it ruin furniture, walls, and etc.? Was anyone hurt? Will insurance cover all of the damage?”

The tree was large, the branch that fell was as large as most yard trees.  Fortunately the outer most leafy branches had some give as it came crashing down and the end of the branch, though it was totally broken off was left supported in the air which took the pressure off the fall.  Some roof damage and they were told they need a new roof on one portion of their house as well as a thorough inspection for structural damage in the attic and support system.  There was also gutter and yard damage. 

No one was hurt and no furniture or keepsakes were ruined.  One person was in the house and she said that when the tree fell it was frightening as she heard and felt the impact when the tree hit the roof.  The splintering of the wood made a horrible racket as it gave way and that sound is one of the most frightening sounds for someone who lives under trees.  Yes, the insurance adjuster said it will be covered.

The tree is now gone and has become either wood chips or huge pieces left in the yard.  It is beautiful oak wood and one person will be buying the trunk and hauling it away with a skip loader.  One grocery sized bag of the wood is almost too heavy to pick up.  My neighbors allowed me to choose a couple of pieces of the tree to keep.  The pieces of wood were quite beautiful to me.  There are lots of bugs living in that tree so I won’t be bringing my treasures into the house unless I have them fumigated.  My wood art may become ornaments in the garden. 

The tree specialist said there were signs that the tree had been struck by lightening.  There was other damage as well and it was recommended to cut the tree down.  Dave and I were able to watch four men dismantle a living structure that is estimated as being almost 300 years old.  It was like watching a choreographed dance of four strong men conquering a mighty giant. 

I (with all of my exaggeration experience) estimate that the tree was more than 60 feet tall with a branch spread matching its height.  Its massiveness was quite impressive as it towered over a two story house.  My neighbor mourned as she watched its demise.   

Today Dave and I watched with rapt attention the cycle of life.  Living and dying; we each have one turn.  The tree spread its arms and its roots grew deeper and deeper.  It has played host to many species through its centuries.  And now it will be recycled in a myriad of ways, ultimately giving back to the earth the nutrients that the earth provided for its own existence.  The tree lived well and its legacy lives on.

I think this old tree is a parallel to our own lives.  We are born, we put down roots, we grow and change; and perhaps we offer kindness to others by feeding them, providing protection and love, as well as being there for those who need sanctuary.  We face adversity, and we keep going, but someday the old body just gives out and we too leave our legacy behind. 

We should ask ourselves this question, “What legacy will we leave behind?”   A legacy is never written while someone is still alive.  Nor is it a letter one writes to another instructing them as to how they want to be remembered.  Rather, it is how people remember the deceased because of who they were, which is a reflection of how that person lived their life.  How we live our lives is actually the determining factor as to what kind of legacy we too will leave behind.  When others remember a person with an upright character, who shows kindness, gives protection, expresses love to others, and speaks gently, that is how a person will be remembered.  How they are remembered after death is the legacy they leave. 

I will miss that old oak tree, as I am sure the squirrels, birds, ants, bugs, and spiders will.  And the loss for each animal, insect, or person will be experienced differently.  And just like that centuries old tree, you too will be remembered with a legacy after death.  You may have touched lives in ways you were never aware.  It is when you touch the lives and hearts of others that your legacy will live on.  

When you walk with God following the plan He has for your life, just like that tree, you too will leave a beautiful legacy.  That old oak tree has stood for centuries with its arms open to protect and provide for so many, so thus can your legacy be.  Ultimately, the only legacy we need be concerned about is the legacy God writes for us.

And I think God had that old oak tree’s legacy planned before the squirrel planted the acorn.  God also has plans for us.

So thank you Marilyn for opening the door for today’s blog topic.  I didn’t mean to make my letter quite so long!

OH, IF I COULD JUST HAVE SUCH

Kathleen Martens

June 8, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

How many trees stand

Because of a buried seed

Upon which squirrels

Had thought to feed?

A massive oak

So very alive,

Each day its purpose

Is only to strive.

Going forward in time

With rings of remembrance,

Even chopped down

It continues deliverance.

Giving of self

With joyful votive.

Offering its all

Without motive.

Firewood for warmth

On cold winter nights,

And art for the mantle

As stunning sights.

Planks for the carpenter

To create true treasures,

Which will warm hearts

With endearing pleasures.

Wood-chips for gardens

To recycle the earth,

To enrich the soil

So nutrients not dearth.

And someday mushrooms

Can receive their food

Attached to decaying,

Crumbling oak wood.

And all is well

With such a legacy of love…

“Oh, if I could just have such”,

From the Father above!

Thank You God for clean windows.

Thank You God for loving me so much.

Thank You God for all the trees that surround me as I gaze out the windows.

Thank You God that You care for the little birds who nest in trees.

Have a wonderful evening!

GOD BLESS YOU

P.S.  SEE PICTURES BELOW