Of Oaks, Grandparents and Life

Rounding the bend to the old family homestead, the first thing one sees is the enormous oak tree. It sits in front of the crumbling frame, of what was once a majestic house. Even though the house is in disrepair, the tree stands proud, having stood the test of time. Although Grandpa has palsy, he still insists on making the long drive, allowing only himself to take the wheel as he has done for so many years. It comforts me to know that some things never change.

When my Grandfather was a young boy, he planted that tree in Petosky, Michigan, which is known for its long harsh winters. It was a young, healthy oak and it thrived with the tender care my Grandpa lavished on it. They grew up together.

As the tree was learning to adapt to the changes the seasons brought, my Grandfather was learning how to adapt to the changes that were occurring in his life. They were both young and sturdy and even though the winds and bad luck might howl and blow, they found that they could bend instead of break.

When my Great-Grandfather passed away, Great-Grandmother Nell made sure that Grandpa would learn the lessons and good morals that would help him to become the success he is today. She believed in creating a strong foundation for her children. At the same time the oak set about establishing a root system. It was hard work to create one that was able to nourish it throughout the bad times and keep it steady and secure against the many blizzards.

When Grandpa met Lenore McMullen he knew that she was the girl for him. She was young and beautiful with a certain stability and a deep capacity to see all the good that life had to offer. The deep love and respect she gave to him nourished him and gave him a new outlook on life, like the water he gave to the tree. In 1925 Paul and Lenore decided to get married.

On a trip to the homestead a few years later, my Grandparents noticed that the oak had an acorn that had sprouted a few yards from it. The oak was providing shelter from the storms and was allowing the young acorn to feed off its roots, so that it too could grow strong and sturdy with the help and protection of the parent oak. About that time Grandma found she was in the family way.

Grandpa and Grandma had three children. They had a happy childhood full of love. My Grandparents took the time to teach them about the important things in life and gave them the room that was necessary for them to formulate their own ideas and grow into productive young adults. Although they sheltered them as much as they could from the aspects of life, they also taught them that at times there would be rainy days. They went out into the world as separate human beings, yet they are still tied by the roots of love that bind them together, a have an inner strength that was instilled in them by their parents.

The lessons that my father learned from my Grandparents were also passed on to me. My mother and father gave me all the watering that parents can give to start a child out right. For a child is like a tree. It needs protection from the elements and nourishment, in the form of abundant love to make it grow tall and stand steady against the winds that take us by surprise. Children need the shade from worries and fears. yet, they can’t always be shaded for the shade blocks the sun that is needed for youngsters to grow taller and experience life.

Last year, we again went up to the homestead. The beautiful oak still stand tall like my Grandfather. Together they have faced many of life’s storms. Although they don’t bend nearly as much as they used to, they still provide the shelter for all members of their families. We all know that we can run to them to escape the storms.

I hope that one day, I too, will be like the old oak, providing shelter and giving direction to those who need it. Sometimes I wonder if I will be able to fulfill the task because I often feel like a scraggly juniper tree. The junipers branches don’t reach very high and their root system isn’t very secure; they topple easily in the wind.

Yet, as the years go by, I feel my roots taking hold, testing out the dirt where they lay and confidence takes hold. For I know, that I too will grow strong and be there for others. For I come from a long line of stubborn people and sturdy oaks and I’m just as stubborn as the rest of them.