The Tree Tattoo
This tree has developed roots but is not planted. I think any of us, my children and myself, would move to a new environment at any moment, wherever God should take us. Growing and thriving from nothing. . . and to Us, nothing was before Steven’s earthly death. We felt like nothing. It’s broken branch represents my beautiful 25-year-old son. It's beautiful, healthy green leaves represent my grandchildren, continuing to replenish what’s been started and continues to grow. It’s branches represent my children, standing firm and strong no matter what direction, what the weather. They are my life on earth. They are why the tree thrives at all.
Parts of the tree are dark and weathered, times of brokenness. The bird represents me, almost off the broken branch, but tied still and forever. So much possibility and hope are left in the trying to regain, to strengthen, to form more leaves and life. All can be torn away from it, but something of them will always remain in the tree, somewhere. Even if it crumbles from weather or destruction, it’s pieces are airborne in the universe forever. Tiny twigs of lives hooked on, where they all had something to do with the rest. Most of the branches are all bigger and more powerful and more useful than the broken branch and the bird now. The reality of the broken branch is that it's much more relevant and more significant now than ever.
Much has gone from it… but much more remains. God used Steven’s life and his leaving us, to pour into us what was necessary to be light and truth on this planet. His leaving us so abruptly was no surprise to God. As a mom, knowing that, does not heal my shattered, broken heart, but I can rest in it. But I so long for one more earthly hug and endless conversations. It does, however, give me clarity and I choose to trust the hands of God.
The fact that I can look at this tree on my arm and see my story unfold, lets me have glimpses of the future, in those tiny green leaves.
P.S.
I have added, and will continue to add new leaves for each new grandchild of mine that is born into my life.
