I actually have two childhood trees. When I was between the ages of 8 and 10 years old, there was a beautiful weeping willow in our backyard. I would spend hours under the branches in nice weather with my back up against the trunk, reading books. I felt in touch with the peacefulness of being outside, protected by my willow tree, and I truly learned to appreciate the quietness of nature. My dad would often take the family on a Sunday drive and point out the beauty around us that God had created in the trees, flowers, beautiful sky, clouds, and plants. So my time under the willow was very special to me in many ways.
We then moved for a short time when I was 12 to my grandmother's. Her yard had a wonderful pear tree. There weren't any children around during that summer, and I spent many hours climbing up the tree to a very well situated set of branches. Again, I would spend wonderful hours sitting in the pear tree, reading books or doing crossward puzzles. Fond memories of beauty, calmness, and fresh air at Grandma's.
