School Starting and Our Own Giving Tree

 Today was our official first day of school.

There were a few rough spots, but overall it was a great day!

I am excited to begin another year in our homeschool journey, with my now 6th, 8th, 9th, and 11th graders.

Time management seemed to be the biggest challenge today. I felt pulled in many directions. But we ate well, studied hard, and enjoyed good conversation together. I suppose I can't ask for more, can I?

Nola got a new desk over the summer and handed her old one down to Elsa. 

They are all independent learners at their own desks now. I have graduated from homeschooling small children at my elbow at the kitchen table. *sniff

But onward and upward, as they say! It's time to enjoy the higher grades. 

One way I plan to do that this school year is by tutoring a small group of high school juniors once a week. It's an exciting opportunity I've been studying and preparing for. I have a soft spot in my heart for homeschool families, so I look forward to the chance to bless and serve other homeschoolers. The fact that Roman, my own high school junior, will be in my "class" is icing on the cake!

Our schedule seemed a little haphazard today, but I trust we will settle into a doable routine as the weeks progress. 

I took the dog for an evening "walkie" to clear my head.

He loves running off leash on our trails. If he gets too far ahead of me he'll stop and look back until I catch up. He's done this since he was a puppy. I always tell him, "Thank you for waiting for me. What a gentleman you are!"

Something very sad was discovered on our property, though.

Our beloved tree was split in two, with the swing Micah built for me lying helpless and forlorn under a heavy branch. It must have happened in the last storm. 

This is the tree that helped raise my children. The tree we have come to in all seasons for sixteen years. A large chunk of our family story has been played out at this tree. We have picnicked here... climbed, napped, and read books here. We have sung songs together and had long conversations here. We have entertained friends here. Time and problems don't exist here. This tree has endured our family's noise and rambunctious play (as well as one wildly unsuccessful bird-luring experiment), but has also been a peaceful and stable presence to come to when quiet alone time is needed.

Seeing it break down brought me to tears, and reminded me so much of the famous book, "The Giving Tree," by Shel Silverstein. 

Maybe we've asked too much of it through the years. But from time to time I would offer up a prayer for this tree. I've asked God to keep it alive and well for us as long as we are still living here.

So I'm not sure what the future looks like for our faithful friend. I'm sure Micah can find a way to repair the swing and reattach it to a surviving branch. But I fear it will never be the same. There was just something so comforting and reassuring about nestling in on the swing after walking along the trails, and feeling enveloped in all the wide, strong branches. 

Is it silly to mourn a tree?

I suppose I should just be thankful for the memories.

"The trees you grew up with have not forgotten you." ~ Unknown 

🌳

~ Courtney