Friday, March 2, 2018

Friday, March 2, 2018 

Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2002. Mattie was seven months old and Peter snapped this photo of us in front of the oak tree near our home. Mattie came to greatly appreciate this oak, because when he got into his tent moth caterpillar collection phase, the leaves from this tree, were the only food the caterpillars would eat. They refused all other leaves. Then of course Mattie began to understand that the oak produced acorns. That became another collection. Mattie had various collections, but in this case he loved sharing his findings, as he typically gave people in his life an acorn gift. In fact, Mattie's occupational therapist received one acorn each week. She had quite a collection going by the end of the year! 


Quote of the day: If when I am gone thou would’st honor me then plant a tree. Some highway, bleak and bare,
Make green with Leaves.
So radiant and fair
And full of leaves my monument
will be, so ever full of tuneful melody.
My monument will be a sight most rare 
Trees planted everywhere.
A highway broad from city to the sea 
Plant this in memory of me. ~ David Wright

We are saddened as Mattie's memorial tree suffered a blow today! This is the third memorial tree that has been planted at his school, because the previous two died, and now the current tree was injured by the 60MPH winds. Needless to say this sight was truly upsetting to us, as a broken tree is not the way we wish to remember Mattie. Nonetheless, it makes us pause yet again because what are the chances that three trees can be affected within such a short period of time?

THE HISTORY OF THE TREES.............The first memorial tree was planted in 2010, and was donated to Mattie's school by his classmates. Mattie loved oak trees and particularly loved collecting acorns, which he would then give to special people in his life. Selecting an Oak to honor Mattie was an easy choice. But that tree died in 2013.

In 2013, a Yellowwood tree replaced the Oak, but the Yellowwood died too. Seeing a trend?

In 2014, another Yellowwood was planted. This was a thriving and beautiful tree that produced amazing flowers timed with Mattie's birthday. Yet today's wind, impaired the tree.


I am sure the School would like to find a way to salvage the tree. But here's the thing..... in this case, I am less concerned about the tree and more concerned about the symbolism of the tree. Which is why I feel like we need to plant a fourth tree. I do not want a broken and less than whole tree to symbolize Mattie. I am particularly sensitive to this given Mattie's battle with cancer, a cancer that left him quite disabled and disfigured. I do not want a tree that mimics what cancer did to his body. I rather see a strong, bold, and vibrant tree that represents the true Mattie.