Hugger Tree #ThursdayTreeLove

Stand tall and proud,
Go out on a limb,
Remember your roots,
Drink plenty of water,
Be content with your natural beauty,
and enjoy the view.

So many lessons to learn from trees, eh? And what excellent advice. Here is a tree that seems to be living it.

There are tree huggers. But I like to call this one the Hugger Tree.

I’ve been watching this tree for almost eighteen years now and every time I see it, it always seems to me to be holding out its arms and saying, come home, and just breathe…everything will be absolutely okay!

You’d think I’d have taken a selfie with the tree, right? Okay that only just occurred to me and I’ll do it the next time I meet it.

The trunk is uniquely knobbled, as if already sheltering souls that needed soothing. The arms–branches spread wide and welcoming, as if inviting passersby to take shelter and receive a warm hug. The ambiance is beautiful, serene and calm with the earth covered in grass and random flowering plants. Other flowering trees in the vicinity shower their petals and fruit, as if paying homage to this hugger tree and appreciating it–for just being.

I freak out just a little each time there’s a thunderstorm–this tree has seen many of those–as some weak branches break and fall to the ground. But even they have a purpose. They go back to the earth, to their roots and compost into the soil. And the tree? Simply stands strong at its core–as if to say, I’m here for you…no matter what the weather, you’re always welcome into my arms and rest.

Did you notice how easy the tree is to climb on to? Don’t you love that?

My favorite time to meet this tree is in the afternoon. Warm sunshine. Gentle breeze. Buzzing of butterflies and other critters. Sometimes I walk down to the cafe for a coffee or lunch and walk back to it. Feels so peaceful just to stand and stare at it.

It reminds me of my Mom. Unconditional love. ♥

Do you have someone like that in your life? Family? Friend(s)?

I’d love to know.

♥

#ThursdayTreeLove is hosted by Parul of Happiness and Food. Do join us.