I woke up with thoughts of trees this morning and feeling a little melancholy.
We see trees and take them for granted, that they will always be there for us to look at and enjoy.
As a child, I was never one to climb them, but would contentedly listen to the birds as I watched them flit from branch to branch. The song thrush would find the highest perch and sing the most sweetest melody to the sky.
The leaves protected them from preying eyes, shielded them to some extent from the elements, and buds and bugs thereon provided nourishment for their growing young.
The blossom from a tree provided colour and attraction for the bees to help promote new growth and life.
Photo: Lilac tree left behind when we moved out of the cottage in 2014
I have had no blossom to bring forth my own children, though my arms reached high and wide to envelop those in my care. Each was an individual and was treated as such, finding common ground and encouraging their interests. I tried to provide them with roots, even if only on a temporary basis.
Photos: blossom on the cherry tree in the Avenue, April 2015
Like a trunk, their names have been carved into my heart although I have no contact with any of them now, and have most likely long been forgotten to make way for more important things in their life. Maybe though something will trigger a happy memory and raise a smile.
My branch on the family tree is stumped and terminated as there are no little offshoots to nurture. I am a long way from the original glade, and when I fall, who shall notice?
It’s just the way it is.
pensitivity101 
Who shall notice? Perhaps friends? Perhaps acquaintances? Perhaps people who you would not suspect? Perhaps relatives? Perhaps nieces/nephews? Perhaps cousins?
Perhaps it is better to be fondly remembered by some of those who you interacted with during your life, then to be forgotten by one’s offspring (which would seem to be, sadly, quite common)?
Perhaps it is better to reflect on one’s life and celebrate the moments worth celebrating? If you can reflect on your history and say to yourself (“Yup … I did pretty good”), then what happens “after-life” is less important. If, upon reflection, your history is less than you would have liked … then there is still time to improve things!
It is always good to remember that obituaries in our culture always focus on who the individual was and what they did … and never on what they had. Keep smiling, 🙂
Thanks Colin. I’ve a lot of things going for me, and I have friends. I am most proud of my fostering days, and like to think I made a difference, even though I have no contact with any of them now. The same can be said for the majority of my family too……. I contact them, but get nothing in response.
While it would obviously be nice if the “foster kids” were in touch with you, I would suggest that you contributed to giving them the self assurance and independence necessary in our world … and for that you should certainly be happy. Great job!
I know it worked in at least one case, and that certainly made it all worthwhile. Thanks Colin. You’ve helped raised my spirits. 🙂
Not a problem Di. We are all capable of dwelling on our “less than stellar” moments, when we should be celebrating our successes. Just remember what you did for those kids … and give yourself a big hug and a smile … and move forward. 🙂
🙂
I agree. “Most of us” do take them for granted. Here’s a poem I wrote long back expressing my love for a cherry tree. I think you could relate.
https://bleedingwordsworld.wordpress.com/2019/03/27/an-eulogy/
Living a life full of kindness and generosity makes a person beloved to many. One may not have biological children but you will be remembered by those to whom you are kind. Sometimes bonds made without blood are stronger.
Thank you for your kind words, and I know what you mean about bonds.
You’re welcome dear 😊