The Gift

Dear Amazing Women!

Erika gave me a tree today.

A tree! What a wonderful gift!

I call it my tree, but my tree really belongs to the earth, to the sky, to all the animals and birds that find shelter there. It is only my tree as I picture her growing and purifying the air around her, giving the birds and squirrels a safe place to raise their babies, giving shade to all those who stop beneath her to rest and be restored.  My tree is not ashamed when she loses her golden leaves in the autumn and stands naked against the sky. It is in her nakedness that we can see her true beauty—the intricate shape of her. And then when her tender green leaves come out in the spring, all who see her stand in awe of this miracle that is unfolding. She knows just when it is time to be ready to be there for the birds and animals who will build their nests in the safety of her arms.

Every morning when I awake, I picture my tree and ask the angels to protect her and all her sisters from the storms and wild fires that may sweep through their forest home. May she be safe to grow tall and stand proudly for years to come, to be there for all who seek refuge. May all who pass her stop in reverence for the magnificence of my tree.

Thank you, my dearest Erika!

Namaste,

Leslie