Tree & Me: Holding On
A story from Cheryl of Cary, NC
Welcome to the 3rd edition of Tree & Me, a storytelling series from Leaf & Limb.
In each edition, we share a reader-submitted story that captures a meaningful connection with trees. This month, we hear from Cheryl of Cary, NC.
Note: This story mentions loss.
Holding On
My friend J had a very tough life. When she lived with me, we would walk the path along the Black Creek trail in Cary for companionship and the comfort it brought her. Along that path, there is a tree that perhaps only J and I ever really noticed. It clings to the edge of a slender patch of land where the creek surges and sweeps past during hard, heavy storms.
Over the years, the stream has eroded the soil that holds the tree in place. Some of the roots, once anchored in the fertile creek bed soil, now cling, exposed, to its neighbor. It persists with the support and companionship of its forest community. J told me the tree reminded her to hang in there. And she did, for a while.
She found stability and a home, grew new roots, and rediscovered hope. After that, I did not see her often. One day, I received a call from her aunt. My friend had fallen on turbulent times, dark storms had overcome her, and she let go.
It has been 12 years since then. Every time I walk the trail, I see this tree. There is no longer soil beneath the trunk, but it hangs on, thriving in defiance, upheld by the trees around it. I think of J and wish she could have held on, too.
Have your own tree story?
Do you have a tree that holds a special place in your heart? Maybe it’s a childhood climbing tree, a backyard favorite, or one you planted in memory of someone you love.
Please share your story with us to celebrate the powerful connection between people and trees. You can do so by filling out the form below. Each month, we will select a new story to be featured in this "Tree & Me" series.
