Dear friends,
The two main trees in this photo are, for me, touchstones for strength and hope.
They were planted by my brother Keith nearly 50 years ago. At the time, Keith was about the size and age of my grandchildren who are standing between the trees. The trees back then were baby maples, about three inches tall.
I've heard it said that every living thing has a story, including these trees. Here's their story.
One breezy day in late spring, some "helicopter" seed pods twirled down from the mature maples in my parents' back yard in New Jersey. Some whirled on, some landed on their patio, and some landed softly on the lawn. Months later, my nature-loving young brother carefully scooped two "helicopters" that had sprouted, taken hold, and were somehow spared from being cut down by lawn mowing. With reverence, Keith planted them in a clay pot to
save them from future grass cuttings.
He then brought the potted seedlings on a 400-mile car trip when he and our parents came to visit me and my young family in our new home in Jamestown, NY. Keith hoped that he could find a place on our extra large lot where the baby maples could grow, undisturbed, and thrive.
He found a spot and grow they did, as you can see.
Determination to survive, grow, and thrive is part of the strength in trees, in all plants.*
We are urged to grow too and to nurture the hope that is in us always, even when it seems to be missing.
There are many ways we can nurture, hold, and use hope.
A one-hour, Mango-sponsored, focus on HOPE will take place today. The event is via ZOOM at 1:30 pm PDT (4:30 pm EDT) and you are invited.
If you wish to explore HOPE, perhaps hear a fresh new way to nurture the HOPE in you, and come away with your own touchstone story, please join Rev. Maggie Oman Shannon, Sherry, Richert Belul, and me.
This presentation on HOPE is free, but you must register to obtain the Zoom link.
Signing up is easy. EMAIL Victoria at victoria@mangopublishinggroup.com.
I HOPE to see you there!
With love,
Charlene
