A New View

The other day, a tornado blew through my back yard. 

Actually, the storm blew through lots of yards.  In my neighborhood eight homes were destroyed and 19 homes were damaged.  As I stood on my deck early in the morning on the day after the tornado, I could see through the roofs of quite a few homes.  It was shocking to see so much damage, yet also see homes that were not touched.    

At our house we were lucky as there was no damage to our home, however we did experience a loss that took me by surprise.  Between us and the neighbors that border our yard, we lost five large trees.  "Oh good, just trees" we thought until we realized unlike the broken swing set or the deck railing, we wouldn't be able to fix this damage.  

I will miss the shade we enjoyed over the deck and the wonderful fragrance from the crabapple blossoms at the front of the house.  The kids were dismayed to see 'their climbing tree' was gone as was the maple outside my son's window where a pair of cardinals would perch so we could peek out at them before bedtime.  

These trees had become part of the family story we will always associate with this house.  

Don't get me wrong.  I am extremely grateful that my family and our home is safe and sound and I realize that folks with lots of damage would probably love to trade spots with me.  

My point is to say that after the storm I realized our home is not just within the walls of the house.  Trees add so much to a home, a yard, a street and our neighborhoods.  Don't go overboard and start hugging the trees in your life!  

Just give them a little pat as your pass by every once in awhile.

Comments

[Annalise Johnnie]

Each time a storm leaves a place, it takes with it some memories and important things. You and your family must have had a lot of fond memories with the trees in your house. Of course, you're equally thankful that your house didn't lose a roof or have an overwhelming leak inside. It's just saddening to see the trees go away.