The Tree That Was

In our backyard was a most beautiful tree - It was an ornamental pear tree, twice as wide as it was tall and easily double the typical size. In Spring, the white blossoms illuminated the yard. In summer, the limbs, laden with glossy green leaves, would gradually turn a deep valentine red in Autumn. By Winter, the naked tree would expose many colorful birds, all a chatter, and resting on its branches.

With each season of nature there was some new blessing to offer - and in each season of life as well. You see, this tree served as the heart center for all of our important family events. From weddings to birthdays to graduations, under the outstretched embrace of its branches, we would share laughter and love.

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In recent years though, the tree began showing signs of its advancing age. No longer having pliable branches, several limbs gave way to harsh winds. Along its trunk, woodpecker borings peppered the bark. Then one day, a strong gale from the bay, split the tree right down the middle. With the heart of the tree exposed, it wasn't long before decay set in and the existing section became unsafe. I had no choice but to have it cut down.

On that sad day, not wanting to watch the final demise of that special tree, I opted instead to leave and run some errands. But while I was out and about, I could not stop thinking about how much I was going to miss that tree. So I texted the landscaper and asked him to save me a small section as a keepsake. When I returned home I was amazed to find a pancake of wood in the unmistakable shape of a heart - a final blessing from our beloved tree.

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It was a bittersweet reminder but couldn't have been a more perfect representation of the tree that was.