80 Years

Today was the day.

The tree service crew began their work about 9 a.m. and finally finished up at nearly 6 p.m. On one hand, it was fascinating to watch them work. They were so skilled at their job, handling the chainsaw and dropping 10-foot logs to the ground, from 50 feet up in the air. All the trees were so close to the house, and barely a twig landed on the roof or deck. But I’ll admit, as I watched in awe, I was equally heartbroken….

It took decades and decades for those trees to grow, and then just a day’s work to bring them down.

This story came to mind more than once that day….

From “The Giving Tree”
by Shel Silverstein

"I wish that I could give you something....
but I have nothing left.
I am just an old stump.
I am sorry...."
"I don't need very much now," said the boy.
"just a quiet place to sit and rest.
I am very tired."
"Well," said the tree, straightening
herself up as much as she could,
"well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting
Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.”