🇿🇦 I love trees. Please see the poem by Joyce Kilmer about trees. “I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed, against the earths sweet flowing breast. A tree that looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray. A tree that may in summer wear, a nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, but only GOD can make a tree.”
I read your column most everyday and I can usually find something or someone to say a prayer about. Reading your column today about trees I found myself thinking about half way through that while I love trees I didn’t think I was going to be inspired to pray for anything today. But you came through at the end and as most always I find something bigger than myself to pray about. Just know that your caring words about normal everyday people and events are noticed. Thanks for your daily words.
I need to go back and read the column again because I skimmed through in a hurry looking for a mention of the tree in Thomasville, having no idea it would be the featured tree! A favorite day trip is to stroll downtown Thomasville, eat shrimp and grits at Jonah’s, walk off lunch around Cherokee Lake after visiting the rose garden, then visiting this magnificent tree.
Sniffle. I’ve found a new life goal. To find a mention of me in one of Sean’s columns. Oh, wait. I think I already have because I see bits of myself, my musings, my wanderings, my pain, longing and life in just about every word he writes. You have a way of blending humanity into a common single note. And it’s a beautiful song.
I grew up in Michigan and remember the devastating Dutch Elm Disease that killed thousands of trees that lined the streets of our beautiful town. Before my father passed away at the venerable age of 96, he often talked about the loss of the chestnut trees, but I understand they may return with the help of science working on a disease-resistant variety. There's a great book called "The Overstory" which is about people and trees. It's sunny here today (in NC) and I'm going to go for a walk and pay close attention to the trees today. I really enjoy your writing. You bring hope and love to our lives.
I love trees too. You would love the olive trees in Israel. They live for thousands of years because as the branches die the roots stay alive and it regrows itself. I had the privilege of seeing the oldest Olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane. It brought tears to my eyes knowing Jesus looked on this same tree.
When I was young and went on driving trips with my parents, I rollled my eyes and made fun of my dad for the number of times he said “look at that tree!”. Now as an adult, I appreciate my dad and smile every time I say “look at that tree!”.
Sean, I love where your story led to at the end. Your story started with one of the great creations by God - trees. And ended with His greatest creation of all time - humans. And you are a very smart man to celebrate both.
From a tree lover! It is interesting that some of the finest longleaf pine woods still survive in Thomasville on quail hunting preserves and other hunting preserves in the South because they do controlled burns on a regular basis. But you know that already. Gotta love those big ole gnarly southern live oaks because they have so much character. Thanks for your articles.
Trees are just more proof that we have a beautiful creator. This story reminds me of a once great a magnificent tree. The giant magnolia overlooked Destin Harbor giving guidance to the boat captains from the gulf and great shade for the land lovers. I lived in the Destin area for 20 years and visited the great tree frequently. Sean, being from the area, I’m sure you know the tree of which I speak. It was famous. It too had its own arborist. It was a sad day when said arborist made the announcement the great tree was dying. They did everything to save it but time and progress took its toll. The tree eventually died. The city of Destin and Okaloosa County mourned. I was broken hearted. Then a local artist came to the rescue. His solution to permanently memorialize the great magnolia was to carve marine life scenes into the tree and make it a piece of art. My family watched the process and admired the artist as he took chainsaw to bark. The finished piece is a masterpiece of tribute to the great magnolia. It stands today as a tribute to times gone by and progress to the future. My son took some pieces of that old tree and gave them to me. They’re beautiful. I still have them as a reminder of the tree’s greatness and how precious life is.
🇿🇦 I love trees. Please see the poem by Joyce Kilmer about trees. “I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed, against the earths sweet flowing breast. A tree that looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray. A tree that may in summer wear, a nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, but only GOD can make a tree.”
Heart. Love. Insight. Delightful. And much more. Your writing touches my heart every day. You sir are a treasure!!!!!!!!!
Clay
Sending love to Lucinda and all the trees. 💚🌲🌴🏡🌳🏝️🎋
I read your column most everyday and I can usually find something or someone to say a prayer about. Reading your column today about trees I found myself thinking about half way through that while I love trees I didn’t think I was going to be inspired to pray for anything today. But you came through at the end and as most always I find something bigger than myself to pray about. Just know that your caring words about normal everyday people and events are noticed. Thanks for your daily words.
I need to go back and read the column again because I skimmed through in a hurry looking for a mention of the tree in Thomasville, having no idea it would be the featured tree! A favorite day trip is to stroll downtown Thomasville, eat shrimp and grits at Jonah’s, walk off lunch around Cherokee Lake after visiting the rose garden, then visiting this magnificent tree.
Sniffle. I’ve found a new life goal. To find a mention of me in one of Sean’s columns. Oh, wait. I think I already have because I see bits of myself, my musings, my wanderings, my pain, longing and life in just about every word he writes. You have a way of blending humanity into a common single note. And it’s a beautiful song.
I grew up in Michigan and remember the devastating Dutch Elm Disease that killed thousands of trees that lined the streets of our beautiful town. Before my father passed away at the venerable age of 96, he often talked about the loss of the chestnut trees, but I understand they may return with the help of science working on a disease-resistant variety. There's a great book called "The Overstory" which is about people and trees. It's sunny here today (in NC) and I'm going to go for a walk and pay close attention to the trees today. I really enjoy your writing. You bring hope and love to our lives.
I love trees too. You would love the olive trees in Israel. They live for thousands of years because as the branches die the roots stay alive and it regrows itself. I had the privilege of seeing the oldest Olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane. It brought tears to my eyes knowing Jesus looked on this same tree.
When I was young and went on driving trips with my parents, I rollled my eyes and made fun of my dad for the number of times he said “look at that tree!”. Now as an adult, I appreciate my dad and smile every time I say “look at that tree!”.
Beautiful tribute to trees and your friend Lucinda! May God bless her and keep her always.
I used to have a secret spot in a Banyan tree growing up.
Sean, I love where your story led to at the end. Your story started with one of the great creations by God - trees. And ended with His greatest creation of all time - humans. And you are a very smart man to celebrate both.
I’m a tree person too! ❤️💕
Prayers for Lucinda. Thank you, Sean.
From a tree lover! It is interesting that some of the finest longleaf pine woods still survive in Thomasville on quail hunting preserves and other hunting preserves in the South because they do controlled burns on a regular basis. But you know that already. Gotta love those big ole gnarly southern live oaks because they have so much character. Thanks for your articles.
Trees are just more proof that we have a beautiful creator. This story reminds me of a once great a magnificent tree. The giant magnolia overlooked Destin Harbor giving guidance to the boat captains from the gulf and great shade for the land lovers. I lived in the Destin area for 20 years and visited the great tree frequently. Sean, being from the area, I’m sure you know the tree of which I speak. It was famous. It too had its own arborist. It was a sad day when said arborist made the announcement the great tree was dying. They did everything to save it but time and progress took its toll. The tree eventually died. The city of Destin and Okaloosa County mourned. I was broken hearted. Then a local artist came to the rescue. His solution to permanently memorialize the great magnolia was to carve marine life scenes into the tree and make it a piece of art. My family watched the process and admired the artist as he took chainsaw to bark. The finished piece is a masterpiece of tribute to the great magnolia. It stands today as a tribute to times gone by and progress to the future. My son took some pieces of that old tree and gave them to me. They’re beautiful. I still have them as a reminder of the tree’s greatness and how precious life is.