Family Tree
This is a tree that grows a few feet away from Anna’s grave. It’s three trees, two separate species, that have grown into one. I see it representing my three kids who are looking over their mom, watching out for her.
When Anna’s sister and I picked her gravesite, we knew what area of the cemetery she had wanted, but she never chose an actual plot. Who could? We were out there in the pouring rain, V and I, huddling under one umbrella on a Thursday morning in early August, 4 days after she died, trying to find a good spot. We went on both sides of the hill and just had a hell of a time trying to make a decision about this entirely unwelcome undertaking. Without warning, the rain let up. We both looked at one another and knew the spot we were standing in was to be the spot.
I’m not superstitious, but I do think Anna chose the spot for us. It had to be by the tree. One Safe Place. We just couldn’t have known until we knew.
Over time, Anna’s body will become part of and give life to that tree, just like her body created, gave life to, and nurtured my kids.
More about this tree coming soon…
