Tree Gifts & Tributes
The accompanying cedar sign is posted on a tree at our Owl's Nest. It lists the names of our beloved tree neighbors to guide our grandchildren and other visitors on a Tour of Trees, making it a wonderful family learning activity.
The trees that live on our small recreational property in Sanpete County, Utah, are mostly Juniper with some Gambel Oak and various Pine trees among them. There are approximately 90 of these, and we know each one intimately. Each feature of our family retreat was created around a distinct tree or group of trees, which hold special meaning for us. Here are their names and functions, serving as our tree memorials:
The Old Oak Patriarchs - Give westerly shade.
Aperta Armis (Latin) - Embrace the tiny shed.
Our Christmas Tree - Sits silently at peace.
Gnarly Roadside Dudes - Comfort the RV with shade.
The Mother Tree - Gives a lofty platform view of our valley and mountains.
Loving Grandparent Trees - Bless the family picnic grove.
Old Man of the Woods - Guards our barn.
The Scraggly One - Shelters the Bear Cave.
Cozy Cabin Neighbors - Make a campout sweet.
THANK YOU, FAITHFUL TREES!
Thank you, faithful trees, for the green and colorful character you add to our property…the stability your roots provide the soil beneath you…the canopy of shade you offer us…the firewood your dead branches represent under carefully prescribed conditions…fallen leafy needles that provide a soft and waterproof carpet beneath our feet…oxygen you breathe forth each night. And, special thanks to The Mother Tree for holding our “Owl’s Perch” (now 'Pirates Roost') aloft among your four perfectly placed branches so our children can play and pretend as they survey our beautiful valley and the nearby mountains. --Darby Checketts
More About Tree Planting and Tree Memorials: Not only do we pay tribute to trees, but we also engage in family learning activities by planting them ourselves to keep our environment beautiful and life-sustaining. Plant trees in your yard, and encourage local parks to add more trees. Trees offer a profound way to remember and pay tribute to those we love. We planted trees in our backyard to represent each of our children. Three cherished grandchildren have died, but their spiritual presence still blesses us. We dedicated three trees at our 'Owl's Nest' as tree memorials to honor PJ, Elaine, and Michael.
