My Dad's Oak Tree

This is the oak tree in front of our house. When we moved here Todd and I set out to find our first home. When we did, as a house warming gift my father gave us this tree. This tree was not purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot or from any nursery at all. My father has always enjoyed growing plants. When we were little we had an orange tree, banana trees, a mulberry tree, a peach tree, chili plants, and on occasion a random plant like watermelon. Today my father is growing a papaya tree, a mango tree, and who knows what else! Back to the story, when Todd and I moved into our house my father was in an oak tree phase. He had a zillion oak trees in pots and in the ground behind my parent's home. (My mother was not thrilled.) My father would go to local parks and pick up acorns. He would take them home and plant them, nurture them, grow them in pots, and then put them in the ground. When someone wanted one, he would dig it up by the roots and transplant it for them. He did the same for us. 

He grew our oak tree from an acorn, nurtured it, and helped it grow. He then dug it up and put it in the back of his truck and drove it about 7 hours. He and Todd planted it together in the front yard. It was a small, weak tree back then. It needed to be fastened by strings and stakes in order for it to stand up straight. When the wind blew it would lean over and bend back and forth. Sometimes the wind would knock the supports loose and Todd would have to go readjust the stakes. There were times that I thought we were going to lose the tree for sure. One winter we had an ice storm and the tree top was completely frozen over. The leaves and branches were too top heavy with the ice and it began to hunch over. We were out of town and our sweet neighbors propped it up with their ladder. It was the funniest sight to drive up to our home with a ladder propping up a tree. Needless to say, the tree survived. 

Today this tree is so strong and so pretty. The roots are deep. The trunk is wide. The branches umbrella the front yard. The wind can no longer cause this tree to tremble. The spring sun is shining today and as I sat in my front room looking out the window I began to admire this tree and to be grateful for all that God has created. I am blessed to have such a caring and sincere father, both heavenly and earthly. My earthly father is not a rich man and he is not a big gift giver. However, when he does give gifts they are heartfelt, sincere, and usually homemade. My heavenly Father is an abundant giver. His are the gifts that when flourishing provide the most joy in life. Below is a picture of a humble little bird's nest. Apparently, I am not the only one enjoying the tree this spring. :)