Tree & Me: An Unexpected Love Letter
A Story by Gus from Raleigh, 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 was written by Peggy from Chapel Hill.
An Enduring Sign
For many years, a friend and our mothers would come visit me in Chapel Hill for Mother’s Day. We always had lunch outside, under a tulip poplar in bloom.
We loved that tree. Even in the off months, it would come up in conversation.
Last spring, the branches stayed bare. I consulted two arborists, and the news was what I feared. The tree was dying. I made the hard decision to have it cut down.
After the removal, I looked at the stump and saw an unexpected message. There it was, clear as day. The outline of a heart.
Even in leaving, the tree left a mark. A quiet reminder that love can endure, even as everything around us changes.
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.
