"We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward... The human capacity for survival and renewal is
awesome."
- Isabel Allende
There is, there was, a massive tree lying on the ground in the Bailey Homestead Preserve on Sanibel Island. When I first spotted it, I felt confused by its shape,
position, size, and the jumble of growth on it.
When I approached it, I recognized an uprooted strangler fig.
I learned that winds from one hurricane pulled most of the roots from the ground. A second storm brought the tree down. However, with only a few roots anchored
into the earth, the tree held its grip on life and grew new roots along the bottom side of its prone trunk. From the side facing upward, the tree grew new branches that looked like baby trees stretching their limbs toward the sun.
I saw that that very-much-alive fallen tree was also a place to feed, to shelter, and to play for many life forms. I watched the activities of geckos and ants; and
I laughed at two feisty squirrels chasing each other up and down the length of the trunk and up into the new, branches.
I felt a kinship with the tree. I still do. It survived damage from two hurricanes; I survived two bouts of cancer and its treatments. Like that tree, my body's
appearance has changed, especially after a bi-lateral mastectomy. But, I I'm still me, determined to live.
I believe we are all in kinship with that tree. We've faced storms and weathered them.
I don't know the fate of that tree after the winds and water of Ian. But I know it will remain an inspirational touchstone for me, reminding me that whatever the
future holds, we have access to enormous strength, courage, wisdom and all the other resources we need to face challenges and opportunities.
With gratitude for life lessons, let's nurture nature and let nature nurture us.
And may Sanibel, Captiva and all the places that have suffered damages from Ian and other hurricanes be repaired and restored to order and
beauty.
With faith, hope, and love,
Charlene
PS - This Touchstone Story of Strength is an adaptation of the chapter, "Down but Not Out" in The Twelve Gifts from the Garden: Life Lessons for Peace and
Well-Being.
THE FIRST GIFT IS STRENGTH.
May you remember to call upon it whenever you need it.
from The Twelve Gifts of Birth
