This is my tree. I love her. I pass her every morning when I take the dogs for an "off-leash" walk in Central Park on the weekends. She's one of many old ladies who watch over us throughout the seasons. I am in awe when I look at her size and think of how many chapters, decades she's seen. As my thoughts imagine how far back her years go, my mental images turn to black and white...and the people wandering beneath her generous arms are wearing dresses and well dressed men are in hats. I am in awe. Am I am thankful to be here.
And one day, entirely compelled in a WHOOSH of emotion, I stepped up on to her toes, like a small child, and reach my small arms around her trunk and with my eyes closed...
I squeezed tight. Fully aware of the gratitude and love that was oozing from my soul to hers.
And we felt connected with my palms pressed to her bark. I thought loudly and grinned - THANK YOU.
And each time we walk by, I do the same.
