My mother is a unique woman, a very wise and well-rooted individual. There is so much I love about her, especially her affinity for trees. She is a creative and animated spirit who has enjoyed giving each of her grandchildren “tree names.”
For example, she calls one of her granddaughters her “Willow Tree.” This might be because this particular young lady is tall and thin and flows so easily with life. Her arms encompass everyone around her and she is well-loved. She is easy to talk to and has a playful heart. Her presence is always fun, teasing and welcoming. She is a source of laughter.
Another granddaughter is called her “Oak Tree.” I imagine this is because she is not a shallow person, but rather, a person of great substance and strength. She knows what she likes and what she doesn’t. Her personality and energy are big and she’s very huggable. She is also very protective, caring and ever-watchful.
My mother calls her youngest granddaughter her “Sugar Maple.” This is probably because she is sweet and very colorful. She is into just about everything you can imagine. She loves to try new things and she does everything she attempts very well. She draws people’s attention to her and we are all captivated by her rich and varied taste for life.
Finally, her youngest grandchild, my son, is called her “Northern White Cedar.” I think she calls him this because he is a fair-haired boy, born in the Pacific Northwest, who inspires awe. He is grand in his doings and commands a gentle reverence for who he is. He does not change much. He is constant and centered. His presence is reassuring and he is a breath of fresh air.
My younger cousins and other relatives have enjoyed my mother’s tree-names so much that they have begged her to give them each one as well. And she has. As our large clan continues to give birth to more seedlings, she eventually provides them with this unique blessing - this earthy gift of “naming.”
I once asked my mother what tree she identified herself with. After some thought, she told me she thought of herself as a Eucalyptus tree. Being a nurse all her life, she felt this tree represented her the best as it is known for it’s medicinal qualities. To me, it is fitting as I have always seen my mom as a healer. Her scent is poignant, yet soothing. You know when she is in the room, and you feel reassured by her presence. Like this giant, graceful tree, she stands confident, proud and strong.
My mother also laughed at her own choice of tree names and said that the peeling bark of the Eucalyptus reminded her of her own thinning hair and cracking skin. Perhaps her bark and leaves are sparce because she gives so much of herself to others. All I know is that as she grows in age, she continues to expand in wisdom, grace and beauty. My mother has been my Tree of Life.
**Footnote: Butterflies and dragonflies have been known to draw towards Healers and Eucalyptus trees. It doesn’t surprise me that my mom also gives names to these gentle creatures that grace her gardens and ritually buzz near the waterfall in her backyard.
LaRonda,
You got me hooked!!! This morning, my daughter and I sat down and read about the tree-names. She loved the beautiful pictures. When we were finished reading she looked at me and asked “Mommy what kind of tree would I be?” Wow, What a fun conversation we had.
Thanks–Vikki
Left by vikki on March 11th, 2007
[...] LaRonda Zupp (The Ear of My Heart) describes a particularly good example of this kinship in “My Mother and Her Trees.” Her mother years ago got into the habit of giving tree-nicknames to the grandchildren, and [...]
Left by Via Negativa » Blog Archive » Festival of the Trees 14: in katydid time on August 5th, 2007