"The willow does not weep. She hangs, she sways, she hums along to the earths breath." -Sarah Maria-

 

This is my willow tree. I love her; she is my favorite tree. She brings me so much joy watching her dance in the wind. I often sit on the patio and just watch her. It is peaceful. 

We even buried Morgan under her. 

In June, after a big windstorm, she cracked! There had been a small crack on the back side of her, but it had gotten longer and now went all the way through her trunk. Every time we had a big wind, the crack grew. 

We thought we were going to have to cut her down before she blew over and took several other trees out with her. I was so upset. I did some research and had hopes that we could have it bolted together and save her. I found an arborist who was willing to come over and give me some advice. I was so happy when he told me she could be saved! He suggested that we cut the damaged part of the trunk off. He said if we bolted her, we had a 50/50 chance that it would work. Because the crack was so far down, we had a better chance if we cut the broken part off. He said willow trees are very resilient trees. She might look lopsided for a while, but would grow back to her full glory soon enough. 

So with the help of our wonderful neighbor and Rick, they cut half of her away.

She doesn't look too bad with her trim job 😌

Most mornings, Otis and I take a walk out to my willow. I talk to her and wish her well. I say a little prayer to Mother Earth and ask her to look over her for me and help her grow. We say hello to Morgan, and Otis chases the bunnies away from the hostas we planted near her grave. 

This week, on one of my morning visits, I noticed new growth on her! Mother Earth has decided to grant me some grace and let me enjoy her a little more. 

Perhaps one day, another young couple will find love beneath her sweeping branches, just as my mom and dad once did under their beloved willow tree.

Thank Mother Nature for all she does...

Sharon