The roar of the chainsaws is both deafening and disconcerting. The act of comforting our dogs Harper and Cinnamon is a lost cause. Every time that a big chunk of oak drops to the ground, and shakes the house, Harper jumps.
It will be over soon, and peace will again reign on the property.
Three tree professionals have come today to take down the oak that is less than ten feet from our house. It’s right outside my office window.
The oak is over a hundred years old. It is over twice as tall as our house.
For the thirty years that I have lived here, this oak has graced my office with its comforting presence.
It has kept me company through all the seasons.
In the winter, it has been a stable, grounding force in the midst of fierce winds and raging blizzards.
I have felt so much joy when the tiny buds begin to open in the spring, heralding another season of growth.
In the summer, the tree has been a lush green presence, protecting my office from the intense heat.
And in the fall, it has been a splendor of orange, red and brown.
This oak has been a source of continual pleasure and good energy over the years.
It had a twin; they were joined at the base. Five years ago, the twin died, and we had to have it taken down.
I felt like I had lost a friend.
Last year, this oak died, and we knew that we would need to have it taken down also.
When trees die, and they are so close to the house, we have them removed because of the risk of them falling on the house or the driveway.
When they are out on the property, we let them deteriorate, and they eventually fall down. They provide food and shelter for all kinds of critters.
This tree will continue to give, also.
All of its smaller branches are being chipped, and we will use the wood chips for pathways throughout the land.
Our friend and neighbor Rich always comes to cut up all the big chunks. He heats his house with wood, and this oak will keep him and his family warm for a long time.
I don’t know how to say goodbye to this tree properly, except to say that “You have been as beautiful and faithful a friend as I could ever want, and I will miss you.”
What are the quiet “presences” in your life, that give you joy?
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