Tree & Me: Living in the Vast Embrace of My Trees
A story from Carol Caruso of Highlands, NJ
Welcome to the 2nd 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 Carol Caruso of Highlands, NJ.
Living in the Vast Embrace of My Trees
Trees are essential in my life, and some trees have a special place in my memory. I would like to honor three trees that have gently influenced the path of my life.
The tree in my childhood backyard had my dog's lead attached to it. She used to run circles (known as “zoomies” before the term became popular) around that tree, wearing a path that resembled a moat. As a young child, I followed the path. The tree watched me with quiet authority as I played, letting me be a child in the present moment. Just like my dog, I was going nowhere on purpose and enjoying the journey.
The tree by the elementary school taught me to be brave. It spread its sappy arms, inviting me to climb to new heights. I sat above the ground, alone or with friends, shielded in the safety of its surprising design, always encouraging me to take risks and climb beyond my comfort zone.
However, it was the tilty tree that was with me for summers on end, and now lives in my memory, which I remember with most fondness. Each year, my family gathered by a lake in Vermont. Like a trusted friend, the tilty tree sat waiting for us. It witnessed marriages, children, and grandchildren. It stood by, grounding us to one another through belly laughs, skinned knees, and skinny dipping. The tilty tree that brought us peace and stillness was one day unable to withstand nature's fury, but will always live on in us.
For as long as I can remember, the woods have beckoned, and the trees have revealed their majestic powers to me. Watching a sunbeam through the leaves in a forest stops me in my tracks. All I can do is sit in awe. My smallness compared to the surrounding landscape is as insignificant as a speck of sand, yet like the tree itself, integral to the interconnected universe.
Knowing that trees support each other by sharing resources and communicating through fungal networks comes as no surprise to me. I am a part of that network, communing with their beauty and always grateful for their presence.
The trees that touched my life have given me protection and strength.
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.