Sunday, November 12, 2017

Autumn Gift

This tree is in our neighbor's yard, but years ago there was one on our city block between my best friend's house and ours. THIS particular tree first captured my attention forty years ago when the kids were small and we were a one-car family. On those occasions when I needed the car, I drove my then husband to work through this neighborhood.

The moment this amazing autumn beauty caught my eye, I silently enumerated all my blessings and thanked God for my eyes. I so admired the ranch house next door to this tree. It was my dream home in the county.

Twenty-one years ago THAT house, next to THIS tree became our home. Funny, how life works. I believe it is no coincidence that my dream came true. In most instances, I have been blessed with everything I have yearned for, but seldom WHEN I wanted it.  Mom used to always say, "God's time, not our time." I believe that.

                               
                              Autumn Gift


At 51, my friend Rose sported a wig and a raspy voice, the result of the debilitating cancer which had robbed her of her hair and her strength. She had more bad days than good, and as the weather cooled, the dark, wet skies mirrored her situation. After nearly a week of rain, the clouds lifted and so did Rose's spirits. When I came for a visit, she was alert, her voice halting but strong and assertive for a change.

"Take me outside. I want to sit in the sunshine."

She shuffled into the yard with her oxygen tank in tow. We sat in silence under the sugar maple tree enjoying the brisk breeze. I tucked her afghan around her. Hundreds of orange, gold and yellow leaves rained down upon us and made Rose smile. Memories of our twenty-five year friendship whirled in our minds like the leaves overhead. We were entranced by the waltzing leaves and watched as wind gusts swept them up and sent them dancing at our feet. The yard was very much alive, and so was Rose that day.

"Will you please get me that red leaf," she asked, "and that yellow one?" She pointed here and there, and I bounded about gathering brilliant orange, red and golden leaves in a huge bouquet as she orchestrated the activity. Rose soon tired and asked to go inside. I placed her leaf bouquet on a table beside her, tucked her in, and I told her I'd see her the next afternoon.
When I arrived the next day, she was glassy-eyed and weak.

"I have something for you," she said pausing breathlessly, gasping between words. "Do you remember the big maple tree in the old neighborhood?"

When we were neighbors, the gorgeous towering tree, Mother Nature's masterpiece, was the focal point of our neighborhood each autumn. We were blessed to have it right outside our doors. We collected leaves with our children when they were young, and we made centerpieces with the colorful array that blanketed the lawns and sidewalks.

"I made you a gift." She handed me ten sheets of white paper on which she had arranged  and scotch taped the colorful leaves that she had collected the day before.
Tears welled in our eyes. "Do you like them? Can you use them?" she asked.


"Yes. I love them! and I will treasure them forever," I said.

Like the autumn leaves, Rose completed her life cycle at the end of fall. I laminated the colorful leaf collages, and every year I use them as a teaching aid with my preschool students. And I think of Rose as I tell my students about her and the leaves.

"Leaves are like people, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Redwood trees are the tallest of all. Their roots intertwine. They support each other when the strong winds blow, sort of like when you hold hands with your best friend and it makes you feel safe."

The simple treasure is a priceless gift bequeathed with love, and it will keep on touching lives, just as my friend Rose did.

Published: HCI Communications, Voices of Breast Cancer 2007


9 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

Linda--Your stories about your friend Rose are always moving. And we have a neighborhood tree a couple doors down that is a gorgeous crimson every year.

Trisha Faye said...

I LOVE this post! It brought tears to my eyes, as I felt the sadness and loss of losing your dear friend. But it also brought joy to my heart as I see how friendships help uphold us, and how the memories of special friendships live on, long past their earthly experience.
Thank you for sharing this special story with us!

Sandi said...

“Leaves are like people, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Redwood trees are the tallest of all. Their roots intertwine. They support each other when the strong winds blow, sort of like when you hold hands with your best friend and it makes you feel safe."

This is beautiful, Linda!

How cool that the ranch house became YOURS!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

It was late August when my son died 8 years ago. He was far away and I arranged for his cremation, knowing a memorial service would have to wait until we could leave our business for an extended period of time. I remember driving down the interstate with leaves swirling about and birds gathering for their trip south as I pondered his life and his death. I was alone in my car with my thoughts and my grief when I decided that I would scatter his ashes in the mountains of Tennessee to set him free. This time of year is always a little melancholy for me, especially since my dad died in this season, as well. Might be sad, but it is good to remember.

Connie said...

What a gorgeous tree! Your story of your friend and the memories you shared are lovely. Those leaves are a treasure to keep as a remembrance of your friend.

Val said...

That's a beautiful tree. There was one like it across the road from school, that I could see from my classroom window every fall.

I love your stories about Rose, like the snowfall one a while back. She lives on in your memories, and you share her with us, like the leaves with your students.

Susan said...

That made me cry, right at the kitchen table. Such a precious story. Such a precious friendship with a lovely lady who now soars with the angels. Thank you, Linda. Hugs. Susan

Susan Sundwall said...

Wonderful story, Linda. I have a friend who has survived breast cancer and I cherish every moment with her. Thank you so much for this.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

There was a tree in our old neighborhood that glowed gold in the fall. I waited for it to turn colors every year. So gorgeous. It took my breath away every time I saw it.

Your love for Rose comes through your writing. I believe I've read that story before. It was just as good this time around.