Planting Roots

Memories are important to me. I'm constantly taking pictures and documenting my life; I will spend hours flipping through old photos, being overwhelmed with feelings of nostalgia. My husband and I started dating nine years ago, and I meant to do something then in the beginning of our relationship, but the timing was never right. I regret not being able to do it because I feel we've missed so much time (I'm amazed that he's put up with my crap for so long...God bless him). When we were both in Mississippi right before leaving for Cali, we had the chance to finally do what I wanted to do so long ago: plant a tree. We can watch it grow tall and strong, withstand the vicissitudes of life, and one day show it to our kids and grandkids. It will be a symbol of our relationship and we will create many, many memories now and in the years to come around this tree. 

Of course we couldn't decide on just one tree, and I was adamant about planting one before we left (even though August isn't the best time of year to plant a young tree). I wasn't going to miss this opportunity; so, we bought two. We each picked a tree, and we planted my choice before we left and my parents are planting the other for us soon. I think Weeping Willows are whimsical and romantic, so that was definitely my pick (I was lucky to find it). Dennis wanted a fruit-bearing tree, and since my family already has a pear tree in the orchard and my sister and her husband have plans to plant an apple tree, Dennis picked a peach tree.

We picked a nice spot for the Weeping Willow close to the pond in a small clearing and started digging. I immediately formed and popped a blister (ouch) and it was SO HOT at 8:00 in the morning. We weren't expecting it to be such a task to dig a hole and plant a tree! So far, it's doing well; my mom sends pictures occasionally and said it's even growing new leaves. I can't wait to go back home to visit and see how much it's grown since we left. 

After the peach tree, the next tree planted will be for our first born. Don't get excited...that's not going to happen for awhile.