My son, Lukas, planted a peach tree some years back, but in a corner of the yard where the soil is terrible and full of clay. Sunshine there is slim to none, and it hasn’t had leaves on it since I can remember. I figured it was dead and told my self that eventually I would uproot it and throw it away. This Spring, I noticed one tiny blossom on a branch. From that point forward, I developed an emotional connection with the little tree, but did nothing about it. Instead, I left it in the corner, hoping it would revive itself. Every day I would look at it with a sense of guilt. ‘I should replant it,’ I told myself, but I felt like it was so far gone that transplanting it would only hasten its demise.

Finally, last weekend I felt so sorry for it that I made the decision to give it a better home in the backyard where the soil was rich and the sunshine plentiful. Maybe it would die; maybe it wouldn’t, but it deserved a chance. After all, it is a survivor. It refused to give up, hanging onto like by a mere fragile blossom. I felt respect, even love, for the little guy. The transplanting went well, full of love and care. Now, the little tree is covered in leaves. Still pitiful, but getting stronger.

Today, I reflected on how deeply this little tree affected my life. Why? I’ve transplanted, and yes, (accidentally) killed trees several times. Why did I feel so emotionally connected to this one? Then, this morning, I realized that the tree was me. I’ve had a life that, in many ways, has been blessed, yet still it has been a life that has been littered with hardships and tragedies from day one. But, I hung on. I persevered. And by not giving up on myself and nurturing those old wounds instead of tearing them open again and again, I have found a new life. Peace. Love. Now, I want to bear what fruit I can and share it. With Erik’s help, I can, I have and I will continue to do.

Please take this story as your own story of hope. You can find rebirth in spite of your troubles. You just need to tend to that life, persevere and be proud of yourself for every day that you chose to hang on. Now, go tend to your trees and yourself. My peach tree has a watering can full of root stimulator with its name on it!