A TREE GROWS

It was a perfect day for a perfect outdoor wedding. The bride walked toward her bridegroom to the music of the Bagpipes. The clan colors were worn by the radiant couple. George and I were delighted to have been invited to this wedding and be a part of this beautiful ceremony.

Colorado blue spruce seedlings were given to each guest with the request that we plant these little sprigs of evergreen.

The happy couple left the wedding, seated on the back of an open convertible, waving to all as they left to go on their honeymoon and live happily ever after.

LIFE is never that simple. But we are dreamers and we hope.................

We drove back to New York and I planted the seedling.

Every day, I checked to see if it took root and thought of the happy couple. They were to make their home out West.

Time went by and I received an e-mail. It was not news that I was happy to hear.
We were asked for PRAYERS. The beautiful Bride felt fatigue when they returned from their honeymoon. She had a medical check up and the prognosis was dire. LEUKEMIA.

The seedling that I planted took root and was growing. Everyday, I would walk to the back of my property, look at that seedling and meditate in prayer for my friend.

She had friends all across the country praying for her. She struggled to live. Things were not going well and she sought treatments out of state. Complications set in. Ultimately, she needed a bone marrow transplant to live.

Her large family was tested to see if they were compatible as donors, but they were not. Then, a match was found. A caring stranger would be her donor.

And we continued to pray.........and I continued my daily visit to the tree...........and thought of my friend, so far away..............and prayed.

Years passed and she is now well. We rejoice. And that tree is still growing. And it is a constant reminder of her.

One day, I decided to take a picture of the tree to send to her. She e-mailed back in surprise. Of all the seedlings passed out on her wedding day, this was the only one that survived, including the one that she planted.

I still look at that tree every day. It is quite large now. And I still meditate and thank God that my friend is happy and well.