Back in 1959, our family climbed in our white Rambler Station Wagon and set out on a mission. We went to select a new Sycamore tree to plant in our front yard. I still remember driving with the long tree stretched through both windows and holding it very tightly as we traveled home from the nursery. Digging the hole where the tree was to grow was quite an event for our family. Now, some 53 years later, that tree stands resolute and strong. For decades it has provided shade, tons of leaves to play in (and rake up) every fall, and a place for countless children and grandchildren to climb as they watched and laughed at the people walking beneath them.
Last Saturday, these same children gathered for dinner with our father to remember our mother who died just a year ago. I couldn’t help but notice that all of us were older and a lot grayer than we were when we planted that tree. Daddy’s hair is completely white and he kept referring to the fact that he didn’t even know one person in the restaurant that night. I then thought back to the time my mom helped me by typing the first draft of “Grandma Belle and Me” on an electric typewriter. She never complained but she was so worn out when we finished that I feel guilty now just thinking about it. What a trooper she was! My next book or two I typed myself on a computer, while the one taking shape in my mind right now will be typed on my new IPAD, once I learn how to work the new programs on it. Technology keeps moving so fast that it is hard to keep up.
I suppose that the only thing in life that is consistent is change. Styles change, technology progresses, and people get older as the years pass. I am a grandmother for goodness sakes! BUT time honored values do not change. Honesty, hard work, strong faith, diligence and tenacity should always be relevant factors in our lives and part of our individual value systems. This will enable us to be firmly established, resolute and strong just like that Sycamore Tree that we planted in my yard over half a century ago.
Kathy Christensen
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