A tree is nice, isn’t it? I didn’t know how nice a tree was until we had our very own special tree.
My second daughter, Quinn Amelia, arrived stillborn and thanks to the gratitude and kindness of our family, friends, and community, we were so blessed to be able to install a memorial tree at our local park on Monday October 26. The location of the tree is intentional: it is next to a children’s playground where Riley and many of our friends play and it is along a very popular running and cycling trail, where I would have walked and played with Quinn for many years of her childhood. I go by the tree several times a week, as it is on my regular walking and running route.
A tree is nice for a lot of reasons. It is nice to have a special family destination. It is a place to go to be near Quinn that is tremendously comforting, healing, and peaceful. I really had no idea how soothing her tree’s presence would be. I feel embraced by her tree's limbs and I sense her presence dancing through the leaves as the wind blows. It is a place I can go alone or with the whole family. It is a place to play, to cry, to reflect. It is a place where anyone in our community can go to be with Quinn. Even people who do not know us or why the tree is there are celebrating and honoring Quinn.
I am excited to see the tree grow, change, mature, and develop. I look forward to experiencing it in all seasons and witnessing its majestic beauty throughout the year.
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The installation of Quinn's tree was a neat process. If I do say so myself, that is one good looking tree!
Isn't a tree nice?
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| Each member of the family put a stone around her trunk while Amazing Grace played |
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| Tying a purple ribbon, Quinn's color, around her branches |
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| Stunning! |
* The language “A tree is nice” come from the children’s book by Janice May Udry.
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