“TREES“…

“Trees” Ken would often say in his last few weeks of life, Grandchildren became trees breakfast became trees he would point out the window and say let’s go see the trees. And sometimes trees did mean trees to Ken.

Just a few months before his death and before we knew that he had brain cancer we had taken a drive through our new community just to look at trees as they were turning to various shades of red orange and yellow. He absolutely loved the color of trees here. So it’s no surprise to me that near the end of his life something so beautiful and grand that God had created would be on his mind. Even if the word that he was looking for escaped him, trees seem to find its way into his vocabulary and we discovered the meanings.

Here it is 15 months since he left us when today a most monumental and memorable event took place in simple form with lasting impact and relevance. Today we planted three crêpe myrtle trees and a butterfly bush in front of our son Jason’s home in Bella Vista. Jason, Britany and all four kids took part. Jason led us in a prayer that honored Ken and reminded us all of Gods love for us. We all helped prepare the soil And then each of us scattered some of papa into the holes.

As the trees were placed in the holes covering up Papas ashes I was reminded of how so many blessings in life are hidden out of view. Ken was and will continue to be a blessing on my life that has forever impacted and altered my journey over the years and into my future. He may not be here in physical form but the blessing of his life intertwined with mine and our family continues to demonstrate just how very blessed we are having had him in our lives.

As the soil was packed around each tree and the area cleaned up I found myself recalling so many times before when Ken and I would talk about plantings trees landscaping and the beauty of God‘s creation. His first job had been at lumberjack nursery as a high school student where he learned many plant species and how to care for them. How apropos that he will provide nutrients for these new trees.

Trees provide for us food shelter shade resources nesting for animals and so much more. Today these trees provided for me a lasting memory and opportunity to honor my sweet and loving husband Ken. I am grateful.

Thank you for sharing your time with me. May God bless you and encourage you as you find yourself looking at sitting under or caring for the trees in your life.

Psalm 96:12 (NIV): Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.