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When times are uncertain, walk to the walnut tree, back by the beech with golden leaves, next to the empty white plank house with the paint peeling off. One white oak holds its brown leaves, graceful like lace high in the blue sky, tallest tree around.
Fresh green moss grows low on the north bank under big tree roots that hold the world away from this narrow farm road.
Brown, grey and nearly white tree trunks stand sturdy. Sally Belle Mule sits down in the field, head held high, noble as always. Neighbors talk of snow coming in two days. Three brown-eyed Susans still bloom warm with hope.
Give thanks to trees who stand through storms, floods, droughts and the winds of time. Trees last through arguments, birthday parties, tax season, voting day, car washes, new babies and old people. That beech tree I know so well has arms enough to hold a hundred of us when we’re happy or sad, or just glad to be together.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for life, loving friends, the sturdy beauty of our ancient mountains, and the tender petals of roses when they bloom. The kindness and honesty of most people helps me smile. The helpful give-and-take, working together for people in need makes our world a little better. People who hold a door open, carry a package, or smile and say hello make the music in daily life.
Let’s all make a list of what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Mary Ricketson makes her home in Cherokee County. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in private practice in Murphy. She has a special interest in women’s issues.