No Empty Chairs: JJ's Tree

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

~Joyce Kilmer, "Trees," 1914

Today at 11:00 am, JJ's tree was planted at our neighborhood park, Boots Cox Park. Three other neighborhood boys have their trees already, it is not an honor like earning an Eagle rank but rather a sad and unique club our families find ourselves in. These three boys, Clint Ellett, Steve Saxton and Jason Burrows, along with four other boys in the neighborhood have all passed away. If they were to all be together at this time, they would be in the same age group within about four years. We wonder why our neighborhood has been tested - or chosen - this way and only one answer comes to my mind: Heavenly Father knows that this neighborhood loves and cares for one another and our families. We support and serve each other and that is what keeps us strong and bonded forever. Many of us are in our second home in this little area because as we were ready to build new homes, we couldn't imagine being anywhere else or with any other people.

Jennie, Paul and me

I also want to mention how much I appreciate our city for their vision in growing their own trees on a tree farm and working to plant at least 500 new trees each year. Some replace the very old that have lived their lives and shaded generations of kids through 110 degree summers. The canopy over St. George downtown is magnificent, helps to soften, cool and make our city truly feel like the desert oasis that it is. Here's to the City of St. George Parks Department!