The Trees, Our Friends

“What do you mean they are your friends?” asked the curious girl.

How could the trees be my Mother’s friends? Her pig tails appeared uneven, her head still tilting in confusion.

The Mother, looked lovingly and patiently at her wee one. Then shifted her gaze and rested her eyes for a moment, adoringly, at each tree before them.

She took a breath in, sharing a smile with her little girl.

Then she smiled upon her friends.

Intentionally. With deep respect. With joy.

Oh, how, I long to be a tree.  Maybe one day she would adore me in such a way?

“Mama, I want to be your friend.  I want to be a tree.” The little girl looked up at her mother. Her voice was strong, yet unsure.

“My child, the trees are your friends too. I am your Mother, not your friend.”

“I want you to love me, like you love the tress.” The little girl looked down at her feet, almost wishing she hadn’t said anything.

“My child, there is a special, unique love for you from your Mother.” She paused and smiled, reassuring her little one.  “There is also a special love for our friends, the trees.  The trees take care of me, all of us,

… so, that I may then love you and take care of you.”

The little girl stepped back and sat down with a tired and exasperated huff…she felt a tug of anger…and then slowly, she realized…The little girl looked upward, at the bright blue sky and saw that it was her new Oak Tree friend, securely shading her from the strong sunlight.  She remembered the apple in her pocket.  She peered to her left, out in the sunshine, was a very happy Golden Delicious Tree friend, whose fruit she gratefully devoured!

Held securely in Oak Tree friend’s roots, her eyelids became heavy. She was smiling to herself.  She felt comfortable and peaceful to rest.  She was nestled in a nook, breathing deeply with cooler air by way of the shade, and her tummy fed.

“Thank you Mama. Thank you Trees”…the little girl whispered, her Mother heard her and watched her fall deeper into sleep.

The Mother rested her eyes again, upon her little one and upon her friends, the trees.

She continued to smile.

Thank you, Mother Earth.