They’d stood together for many years. Carolyn Simmers Gara

Carolyn Simmers Gara

They’d stood together for many years. Even the oldest of the trees didn’t remember anything but growing up beside the house. Over the years more trees joined them and between them they protected this little house. The story began with a family of two and quickly grew to a family of 7. The land was farmed with soybeans and corn and the couple worked from dawn til dark nursing their dream home and crops to fruition. One by one the children began to arrive and eventually the land was filled with the sounds of laughter and joy when they played together. There were 3 boys and 2 girls and they were so good about helping their parents work the farm. When chores were finished, they would climb the trees, sit in the crooks and read. One of the girls drew lovely pictures and one of the boys could carve wood into the most beautiful animals and birds. The trees gave them shade and shelter through the hot summers and stood against high winds and driving rain in Spring. The family had picnics under the trees, the children enjoyed the swings their father made hanging from the branches and sometimes when winters were especially hard the trees provided firewood to keep the family warm.

The years moved quickly it seemed and one by one the children went away. Finally, it was as in the beginning, just the two and their trees. Over time the children visited with their new families and the trees enjoyed the wonder of large family gatherings. Under the trees grandchildren were celebrated, friends were welcomed, delicious looking meals were served and, in some cases, beloved family pets were laid to rest. The trees welcomed them.

One day there was no longer a father. The mother sat long hours under her favorite tree looking at his picture and reading things aloud that he’d written. The children came to visit and there were always tears. Then the mother went away and the little house was closed up tight. The sentries kept watch and even managed to move a little closer. They wait for the family’s return and whisper in the night of their memories.

This photograph was taken by my friend David McGhee. As with many of the great moments in time he shares, it inspired me. I'm grateful. See Less