“I’m getting old and tired,”  the tree said to the young sapling nearby.

“I’m going to be the tallest, strongest, tree in the forest,” replied the sapling.

The years ticked away as the old tree began to shed much of its bark, and lost many branches that dried up and withered away.  The leaves sometimes hung onto the tree throughout the winter, although many of them fell at inopportune times.

One spring day the snow began to accumulate.   The old tree was tired of holding up its largest branches under the growing weight.   He looked over to the young sapling that appeared to be trying to catch the snow flakes so that he could see how much weight he could hold.

“Young tree, someday you will understand what it’s like to grow old, but today is a day to enjoy your youth.”

“I wish I could somehow help you.  I can tell you a story if you would like.”

“That would be nice.”

“Years ago there was a very young acorn that had fallen from a tree.  Many other acorns were spread across the ground, but this one was different.  This acorn began to sprout underneath the earth and took root.   After much time being underground the young acorn decided that it was time to see what was out in the world, and poked a sprout above the ground.  It was a marvelous sight, with sunshine, and fresh air.  He looked around and saw many large trees.

He thought to himself how someday he might be one of those large, mighty trees, but wondered if it was possible.  He spent much time in the sunshine and quickly found himself growing taller and taller.  He enjoyed the days and the water that fell from the sky.  During the winters, he took the opportunity to rest so that he would have the energy to grow when he could.

As the years moved on, he watched the trees around him grow old and sometimes crumble under their own weight.  He wondered what life at the end would be for him.  He knew that it was only natural for he, too, to grow old and someday return to the earth that nourished him for so long – only to return the favor back to others trees, plants and animals.

The tree met many friends along the way as well.  They would be spending their lives together, so he made amends whenever they would have a falling out.  He knew that the relationships he forged would help him live a fulfilling life.

Then one day, the tree met a little sapling that was growing nearby.  He talked to the sapling about what was important in life, and what was not so important.  He didn’t realize it, but he was passing on his wisdom from his words, but more importantly from his actions.  He was a wise tree that was perfectly placed in the young sapling’s life.  The young sapling will always remember his wise neighbor in an otherwise dense forest.”

“Thank you, the tree said with a tear on his leaves.”

“You are most welcome.”

The snow continued to fall, and the branches began to creak and bend under the enormous weight.  The tree moved the branches away from the sapling as best he could, which caused the largest branch to break.  As it fell to the ground, the sapling was awakened by the noise.

“It’s okay, you’ll never be forgotten.”

That spring the young sapling was excited to see his new branches and growth.  He was beginning to mature.

“Hey, look at my new branches,”  he proclaimed with excitement.

He looked over to the wise tree, which did not respond.  The branches were not beginning to bud, and the tree looked like it was still in winter.

A tear formed on the young sapling’s branches, for he knew what this meant.

“Sleep well, my good friend.  Thank you for your wisdom.  I will tell the others before I too return to nourish the earth.”

Ω

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Life is a cycle for which will all are a participant.  The end is unknown to us all, but this moment is one that we can live to the fullest!

Written, Tue, Mar 8, 2016, 7:52 – 8:08 AM MST