Sentinels

Tomorrow, we’re having six seventy-foot red pines taken down by an area tree service. One tree near the house has been slowly dying for years, with a split on its trunk expanding a bit more each year. It just isn’t safe anymore. The tree right next to it is healthy, but it is so close to the house. So we decided to take them both down together. On the other side of the house, we have four “leaners.” If any of those were to come down in a wind storm, they would likely hit the house. So those four will be felled as well.

Tomorrow they come down. Today I honor each tree with my sadness.

These beautiful trees have kept watch for more than sixty, seventy, eighty years… Bearing witness to all that has happened on this land. Giving silent testament to the comings and goings of our family, and many other families before us. Offering a home to the birds and serving as a still companion to all the deer and bears and fox who have passed by. Standing tall in the wind and the rain, the snow and sunshine. Season after season, year after year.

I made my rounds today. Offering my thanks to each tree. Feeling so grateful for all they’ve given over the decades. I am sorry to see them go.