The Old Oak Tree

My parents still live in the house I called home as a little girl. Being a tomboy in the country, there wasn't a tree on my parent's property I didn't attempt to climb. My all-time favorite was The Old Oak Tree. From it's branches I could take in the whole yard. It was the place I went to be alone with my thoughts. At some point when I was away at college, The Old Oak Tree began to die. No doubt it became firewood and kept my family warm for an entire winter! Nevertheless, my Dad has always felt bad that he had to cut it down. Not long after AJ passed away, Dad asked me to go for a walk with him after supper. He took me up to where the tree once stood and with misty eyes asked, "What would you think, Chappy, about making this a special place to remember AJ?" I was speechless. Softly I replied, "That would be perfect, Dad". The space has since been transformed. Ferns, hostas, lily of the valley, forget-me-nots, and a white bleeding heart grace the forest floor around the stump of The Old Oak Tree. This place is sacred. It always has been. This is AJ's Place.