We don't have many trees in our backyard, in fact we have only one, but that one tree is extra special to us.In February of 2008 one of my best friends, John Kilgore, passed away from complications after a heart valve replacement. Two short weeks after that Tony's dad passed away from cancer after having been diagnosed just the previous October. Needless to say it was one of the most difficult periods in our lives. My mom & dad, my 3 siblings and their families gave us this tree in memory of Tony's dad...Gene C. Lenox. Tony did much research and picked just the tree he wanted; I believe it is an October Glory Maple, and it is certainly glorious in the fall! These pictures truly do not show the brilliant color.
I love this tree. I love this tree for several reasons. First, it reminds me of what an amazing family I have; a family that was thoughtful and wise in giving such a beautiful, living memorial. Second, it gently reminds me when it dons its color in October/November that there are seasons of life. There are seasons of summer when the leaves are green and everything is lush and plentiful, but even in the plenty there can be times when the nourishing rains are slow in coming and the leaves dry and curl from lack of water. There are seasons of change. Those seasons when there is a chill in the air and it seems obvious that winter is coming, yet in the midst of this foreshadowing the colors are magnificent! Then comes winter...the season when all seems bleak and dead...but not dead really...just dormant...conservation of life. Things do however feel stripped, stark and frigid in the winter. And then, just when we think we can't stand the cold anymore, here comes the spring thaw and buds burst forth...all is new again. Seasons of life.
Lastly, this tree reminds me that even though these particular leaves will fall from the tree and die, sometime in March this tree will flower and then grow new leaves and the cycle will begin again. For this I am grateful. I am grateful that there is a cycle of life! I am grateful that life is so much bigger than any one of us!! This glorious, memorial tree reminds me of seasons, of life, of love, and of grace. I shed a few tears today as I stood looking at the tree. Good tears. Tears of love and gratitude. 'Tis the season...
