The willow tree

This is dedicated to my wife, Tina, whom I love, and thank you for the water you give me each day. Thank you for what you do and who you are.

My wife’s favorite tree is a willow, and last year we planted a willow tree in our yard. In time, as that tree began to grow it showed its shape, and branches streamed down. Winter hit, and of course the green disappeared, and it became dormant. This spring the tree again turned green and began to grow. It was looking good, then we had that cold snap, and the tree looked like it had died.

My wife has a green thumb, she didn’t let me cut it down, so she didn’t give up on it and watered the roots aggressively. Before long, green branches began to appear from the ground, first just a few, then more started to appear. Now I can say that we have a willow bush (if that exists), and the tree that we thought had died has sprung new roots and is alive.

What does the willow tree symbolize to you?

Many have been affected by COVID-19. The year started out promising, and then it hit. Businesses suffered, the economy collapsed, isolation, mandatory masks, the world as we knew it changed in the blink of an eye. I find myself thinking, “What good can come out of this?”

I can honestly say that more people are aware of covering their mouths, washing their hands, staying at home when they are sick, and that is a good thing. Each year during flu season, it always amazes me how many people don’t follow those simple measures to prevent the spread of the flu. I would think people would think more about prevention in the years to come because of COVID-19.

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