Tree & Me: Plant You a Pin Oak
A story from Lisa of Rougemont, NC
Tree & Me is a storytelling series from Leaf & Limb. In each issue, we feature a personal story about trees from one of our readers. This month, our story comes from Lisa of Rougemont, NC.
Plant You a Pin Oak
Decades ago, I was in my studio, sketching by the window, when I noticed the first beams of a new house going up across the road. My heart sank. That wide, open view of pastureland was one of my favorite things. Now it was about to disappear behind a stupid new house, as I told my father on the phone.
He listened quietly, then said, “Honey, plant you a pin oak outside your window. It will grow quickly and it will be the new, beautiful thing you see every day. Before too long, you won’t be able to see that new house.”
My father passed away not long after that conversation. We planted the pin oak in his honor, just the way he suggested.
And he was right.
The tree grew quickly, strong and graceful. Birds perch in it. Deer rest under it. It has become the anchor of the whole view. And every time I look at it, I’m reminded of one of the last moments I laughed and talked with my dad. It’s a living reminder of his kindness, his wisdom, and how trees can shift how we see the world.
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.
