Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The tree my sister had planted next to the house had gotten too big and we had to have it removed. My sister passed away in 1992 and my boys and I planted a tree where her other tree was. It was around 1999.

Recently, the tree had developed a fungus that’s going to destroy it so we had to call professionals and the tree will be removed. Another tree will be planted in its place. They are coming today to remove the once beautifully blooming tree. It will be emotional watching them take our tree away. Eventually we will plant another tree in its place.

I anticipated the tree removal folks all morning until they arrived about noon. I went outside and looked at the tree a few times before the workers arrived. I was trying to imagine what it would look like with the tree gone.

It was very emotional watching them cut the tree down. The thought of putting another tree there helped me with my emotions. Every spring the tree would bloom beautifully and we would all think of my sister. So having the tree cut down was going to leave a void in my heart.

The tree was a constant memory of my late sister. I felt her spiritual presence whenever I looked at it.

For years I would get on a ladder and carefully trim the branches. I took very good care of that tree for almost 25 years and I was starting to get nervous about it being cut down. How would I feel about it? I must say that the thought of putting the new tree help me feel better about it but seeing the empty spot out front is very emotional.

Separation anxiety has set in every time I see the bare spot. All I have to do now is wait for the new tree to be planted. I’m not sure when that will be but I’m sure I’ll feel very happy when it’s in the ground. I’ll look forward to seeing it bloom every year and think about my sister every time I see it.

The tree was right at the end of the front stairs so not only did it frame the house it was the first thing you saw coming and going. I’ll be happy when they plant the new tree. We will always think of my sister when we see that tree, especially when it’s in bloom.

I cut a small twig off of the tree to save for a precious keepsake.