Two Brothers

To honor his brother John, my colleague Jim planted a swamp white oak tree next to the pond overlook at our nature center.

Not too long after, the tree was damaged. Its trunk was cut most of the way through about half way up. Thinking the tree was a goner, we replaced it.

We left the first tree in place, just in case. Sadly, Jim passed away as well not long after.

Today, seven years after Jim's passing, I took a picture of those two trees, side by side, both growing strong. The damaged tree had sent up a new leader, or main trunk. What a nice tribute to two brothers.