Grandpa’s Tree

In the yard of my childhood home, which is the home of my great-grandparents, we had a magnificent pear tree. We spent our summers climbing this tree, gathering pears, having picnics under it and simply enjoying its shade and beauty. My grandfather loved the pears from this tree. I remember bringing him brown paper bags of them to allow them to ripen before eating. The tree remained well into my adulthood and past my grandfather’s death. Sadly, our pear tree became diseased and despite our efforts to save it, it perished. I remember the day it was removed. I still reside in this home with my daughter. We never replaced the tree but the happy memories of it remain etched in my heart.