This is the tree in front of my house. It is a very special tree. Miguel and I named him William. I call him the recovery tree. We had just bought the house, finally a home, 2 years post hurricane Katrina. Soon after, Ike passed through Houston. William was uprooted and fell on the roof of our new house. That tree was one of the reasons I fell in love with our house. The tree men came, ( those guys that suddenly appear after hurricanes ), they wanted to know if we would like our tree cut down. I immediately asked if our tree could be replanted. The man looked at me strangely and said, “ I suppose “. Orlando told me to go for it. I asked the tree guy if the tree had a chance, he told me it depended on the kind of winter that was coming. I told him go ahead and plant. Our new to us neighbors watched very closely. The winter was mild and William made it, first he had a crew cut, then strange awkward branches, then he became himself again. Miguel and I talked to him and believed in him. He made it through the storm and with time became magnificent. I know some of you have heard this story, excuse my repeating this event again, but I need to hear it.
When I walk into the house, I still feel loss and sadness....empty, like empty nest, but even sharper. I want to feel the potential of a new beginning, the truth of letting go. Some days I am so hopeful, but I notice that when I am at the house, alone, I become lost. It is as if I have this secret life far away from the stuff of daily living. I know that I am just as strong as William. The Spring will come and my branches will thrive, new and colorful. Until then, I am so very grateful for my kids, Orlando and all of my friends who love and believe in me. They know that the winter will pass.
