trees

I have a love/hate relationship with these trees.⁣⁣

From first sight- they are perfection. Perfectly balanced. ⁣

In the summer, they are full and round. And at the top, their leaves almost touch- creating a canopy. In the fall, the vibrant colors augment the surrounding green pastures. ⁣

Those trees have led me to some of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. ⁣

Those same trees have brought me towards some of the most painful moments in my life ⁣

For years, I’ve really felt the heaviness of the memories. ⁣

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Stories and laughter with my grandpa. ⁣

Spreading his ashes. ⁣

Seeing my children play in the mud. ⁣

Watching the storms roll in. ⁣

Building forts and “lights out soup.”⁣

Releasing sky lanterns for my mom. ⁣

Seeing the full moon rise above the ridge. ⁣

Spreading her ashes. ⁣

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I have gone through those defining times- but- I. Got. Through. ⁣

A couple of days ago, as I drove through, I felt something different...[And, how beautiful to realize this in the spring.] Now, those same trees- they are gentle reminders. ⁣

Reminders of whatever comes next- there’s always a way through. ⁣

3.8.21