Tree & Me: Leaves & Light
A story from Rebekah of Durham, NC
Tree & Me is a storytelling series from Leaf & Limb. In each issue, we feature a personal story about trees from one of our readers. This month, our story was written by Rebekah from Durham, NC.
Leaves & Light
I grew up in a palace.
Or at least, that’s how it felt.
The entryway had a grand double staircase with gold finials. The roofline sparkled with pink and gold turrets. And the ballroom gleamed with sunlight and chandeliers, a perfect backdrop for tea parties and rowdy square dances.
In reality, I grew up in a modest house in rural Ohio. The “palace” was a weeping willow tree in our backyard.
Its sweeping branches became the palace walls. The fallen leaves, my ballroom floor. Everything magical and make-believe lived in the space between.
I now live in a place where willow trees are a rare sight but catching a glimpse of one feels like a wink from the universe. A quiet reminder that if we’re paying attention, wonder can show up anywhere.
Have your own tree story?
Do you have a tree that holds a special place in your heart? Maybe it’s a childhood climbing tree, a backyard favorite, or one you planted in memory of someone you love.
Please share your story with us to celebrate the powerful connection between people and trees. You can do so by filling out the form below. Each month, we will select a new story to be featured in this “Tree & Me” series.
