A Tree in Levering

There’s a pine tree in Levering that isn’t like any other in the world. Tall and strong, with broad branches reaching out like arms ready to embrace the earth, this tree grows on consecrated ground, blessed by the ashes of love.

Love is sprinkled beneath this tree in the memory of those who left before us. Their lives and memories are precious and this tree knows it. It guards and protects its ground, shading every plant, flower and memento beneath it.

This tree is wise. It doesn’t demand attention, but its beauty beckons to all who enter its presence. The tree knows that love can never be ignored, so it quietly reminds us to remember the beautiful pain of love every time a breeze rustles its branches.

This tree is patient. It understands the toil of life because it, too, endures harsh seasons that feel cold, endless and unforgiving. But when the bitterness of winter passes and the sun finally touches it with warmth, it knows that with deepened roots, it has the strength to grow again.

This tree is cautious. It knows that everything in nature is fragile, so it is careful to shelter our loved ones with care, preserving all the hope and goodness of their earthly lives, so that those remaining will be encouraged.

This tree reveres life and proudly testifies to the lives of Grandma Taylor, Uncle Joe, my father-in-law, John, Aunt Sal, Shirley Martin, Kathy Assemany Doyle, Vince Assemany, Jr. and others in this loving extended family who lived with such courage, grace, humor, and meaning that the tree senses the heartache and loss that people feel when they stand in its shade.  It willingly accepts mourners because it understands that grief is an important acknowledgment of the depth of someone’s life.

The tree knows that every time the family and friends of these beautiful souls gather to celebrate another passing from life to eternity, there is so much love and gratitude that rises up through its branches to the heavens, it is almost unbearable.

On Saturday, the tree witnessed this unbearable love again when Aunt Jean’s loved ones entrusted the tree with the precious ashes of her life. The tree was glad to see people circling around it, hugging each other and expressing their delight to be reunited. Mothers, fathers, children, babies, dogs, the tree welcomed them all. Of course there were tears, but when someone cried, the tree gathered up the tears to nourish its roots. When those who loved Aunt Jean shared stories about what an amazing, funny, witty woman she was, the tree captured that laughter and joy, promising to hold it forever.

This tree in Levering is like no other in the world because the Assemany family has entrusted this tree to honor those who will always be missed and cherished. As the tree grows in maturity and majesty, so will the legacy of those who are forever beloved.

If you go to Levering and see this tree, take a moment to stand quietly in its shade. Breathe deep the sweetness of its scent. Appreciate the life it lives and the lives it represents. Gaze up through its branches, look as high into the sky as you can, and smile.

Because beyond the sky, way up in the heavens, I believe that Grandma Taylor, Uncle Joe, Aunt Sal, John Howley, Aunt Jean and many others will be smiling back at you.