The longest walk home that any parent will ever take is the one after their child has "run" ahead of them

The Willow Tree I was recently contacted about planting a tree for CJ at Hillcrest Elementary School. I was again extremely touched by what this community continues to do for us. Again I have no words. So I asked my family what trees they thought might be appropriate. I thought of many trees. Maybe a traditional Wyoming pine, as they engage all the senses. Maybe an apple tree. I did suggest a crabapple tree for their beauty. I do not eat crabapples, but I do love their blossoms in the Spring. Ike, right away, suggested a redwood tree, big and strong. He felt we needed something unique to Wyoming. You really don't see redwoods here in Wyoming! Zoey wanted, of course, a lemon tree. Also unique choice. It was a wonderful conversation that took place with happy thoughts. My husband suggested the weeping willow. I am not a great person with symbolism. I often miss it. But this is why I feel it may be an appropriate choice~~ not just because it is weeping with us. Jesus clung to the branches of a willow tree to rise up as he carried his cross to Golgotha. This has associated it with pain and tears. But from the willow also comes asprin for its fever reducing qualities. It is associated with water. So was CJ. Well he preferred milk, but you get the point. It is a very powerful symbol of survival because it has the ability to survive in even the most challenging of situations. The willow tree has great adapability to any situation. Other trees cannot endure the pressures that a willow can, they break and snap. The willow tree does not easily break. In the event that it does, the branches grow back again giving the tree a crooked and scarred look which actually contributes to its overall magnificent. CJ had so many scars and yet was beautiful. CJ was always adapable. He may have preferred things is way, but he was great with change (usually less anxious than I was). He loved the wind blowing across his face and would put his hand up in the air to feel it with a giant smile on his face. The willow might be weeping. I might be weeping. But CJ is strong, adaptable, beautiful and teaching me how to regrow after the storm. It sucks. Its painful, but if a willow can do it and he can do it, so can I.