Tree & Me: My Grandmama and the Ancient Oak
By our very own, Basil Camu
Welcome to Tree & Me, a new storytelling series from Leaf & Limb.
In each issue, we feature a personal story about trees from one of our readers. We are kicking off the series with a story by our very own Basil Camu.
My Grandmama and the Ancient Oak
My Grandmama had two majestic white oaks in her front yard that were already rooted during the Revolutionary War. In my young mind, they reached the sky, and the trunks were so fat that it seemed to take ages for me just to run around one! My Grandmama and I spent a lot of time beneath her oaks. We pulled nutsedge from the blankets of moss that enveloped their massive, protruding roots. We soared high on the rope swing that hung from one of the large limbs. I especially loved our conversations while gazing at the sunset and listening for owls at night. So much of my love for trees and my Grandmama is inextricably tied to these dear old oaks.
Life is full of joys and sorrows, and the first of three tragedies relating to these oaks struck during my early teens. Grandmama hired a company to prune one of the oaks. Afterward, the oak was struck by lightning and died. I now know why this happened — they created what are known as "lion tails," which make a tree more susceptible to lightning.
The second tragedy struck in 2020 when my Grandmama passed away at the remarkable age of 106. I miss her dearly. The trifecta of tragedies was completed when her land was sold and developed. That lovely, ancient oak was cruelly torn apart by an indifferent human operating an excavator with the power of 5,000 horses. It was hard to watch.
If I’ve learned anything from my love of trees, flowers, and soil, it is this: death is inevitable, but it's not the end — it’s simply a change. Life follows death.
Before the second oak was killed, my dad and I collected thousands of acorns, which we raised into young saplings and gave away through Project Pando. To this day, I still receive notes and updates from folks who received one of those trees (we called them Beryl’s Beauties in homage to Grandmama). I also planted many at my home and in various locations around town. I keep a close eye on all those baby white oaks. Seeing them grow and flourish has brought me such joy! Perhaps this is the core of why I love trees, and especially White Oaks — they embody life, joy, and hope for the future. And they remind me of my Grandmama.
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.