I think I post a picture of this tree on my socials every year. This is a Weeping Cherry Tree we have in our backyard. It was a gift from a Confirmation class my wife and taught oh…. probably twenty years ago now. Oh and yes, there are lights in the tree. My wife found some that are different colors for Christmas and we have them white for the rest of the year.
We planted that tree some two decades ago and it always blossoms this time of year and I always stop to admire it every morning over coffee.
I found myself wondering this morning: Why do I do that every year? I’m sure you’re not surprised to learn that I have a few ideas about that.
First of all, it’s a pretty tree when it starts to blossom. It will be white for only a week or so and then the buds turn green. Come May or June you have to watch out for the bees that love to hang out there.
One of the main reasons it catches my attention is that when it finally starts to bloom it’s a reminder to me that we made it. We survived another winter. And while the weather continues to challenge us with rain, rain, MORE RAIN and gusty winds… it won’t be long before we finally have some warmer weather. I’m not going to lie: When I flew back from south Texas last Sunday and the 80 degree weather, when the pilot said, “And the current temperature in Boston is 41 degrees,” I was tempted to turn around and head right back.
When the Weeping Cherry starts to flower it shows me that my hope has paid off. I’m sure I’m not the only person who starts hoping for spring around mid-March. We long to get back outdoors, to sit in the sun or around the fire pit. To work in the yard or plant the garden. I know the garden is still a few weeks off. I think the recommendation for our area is not to plant anything outdoors until around Memorial Day because of the frost table but at least you can start planning or start the plants indoors.
It’s also great to see the Daffodils blooming. It won’t be long before people make the trek to the Parsons Reserve in Dartmouth to see the daffodil field. The website says the daffodils are about 35% this weekend. If you’ve never been there it truly is beautiful. It’s a short hike into the woods to see the field. For my friends who might be a little challenged when it comes to hiking (Like me), it’s a short walk but there is a little elevation to it so if you’re not comfortable going uphill or (more difficult for me).. downhill.. you may want to skip it and enjoy the photos.
Yes we might be finally turning the corner to some nicer days.
There are times when I look at this blossoming tree and think how it really is a symbol of life. It sheds it leaves and basically goes to sleep for winter just like we hunker down and move indoors. Then, when it’s safe, it awakens and blooms. A reminder that whatever is going on in our lives or whatever issues we are facing whether they be physical or emotional, we will blossom again. Sometimes we need to shed a few things (our leaves), but then we will bloom again! It may not be on the timeline we want but it will happen. Much like those years when we have a late spring. It comes… eventually!
Maybe we should make it a point this week to really pay attention to the flowers and trees in our area. Take a walk and really keep an eye out for the beauty that’s around us. I hope it makes you feel happy that we made it! Let it rejuvenate you. If not in body, at least in your mind and spirit!
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