December 25, 2014
(This is part of a 365 project during my 70th year where I write and
illustrate a blog on each day's gift.)
In the 1990’s, I reconnected after many years with an old
Palestinian friend, Salim. He came to my house and not only gave me the
gift of his visit and friendship, but also the tree of life on an Armenian tile,
which hangs in my kitchen. Sixteen days ago, my husband David gave me the tree
of life, created from one piece of silver wire with bends and twists.
We did not put up a Christmas tree this year but at the last
moment, I decided to add a few holiday ornaments to this silver tree. This morning it holds
an antique glass ornament from my late grandmother, and handmade
ornaments made by my mother, daughters Lauren and FL, a former student and my
late great Aunt Leona. It also displays a delicate snowflake just sent from my
longtime friend, Marge Schondebare, which, according to her note, is a reminder of my uniqueness. My new
silver tree holds history, love and hope.
The symbolic tree of life represents balance, change,
cycles, interconnectedness, giving and receiving.
Balance: What is invisible below is as important as what is
visible on top. If the roots beneath the soil are not healthy, then the rest of
the tree will die.
Change and cycles: The tree changes from green to rusty orange and then
to bare...and back again. Cycles continue. The brittle brown leaves fall and
become part of the soil which nourishes the roots and new green shoots appear
in the spring. My father passed away 23 days ago. He created many roots
which are still nourished by the love he gave to us, the love that continues.
Interconnectedness, giving and receiving: We are all part of
the tree of life. We breathe the oxygen it provides. We benefit from its filtering of harmful
pollutants, its shade, its role in preventing soil erosion, its offering of
food and protection to wildlife. We receive beauty and inspiration from our
tree of life.
We can reject its gift and spiritually die or we can embrace
it and celebrate. I celebrate life and its possibilities for forgiveness and
love, for joy and connecting.
Today’s gift is the
tree of life.
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