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The Wondrous Message from a Java Plum | |||||||
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They only have a handful of "real trees" in Jupiter, Florida - trees with massive trunks supporting an enormous green gumdrop, providing deep shade and its own unique personality to its domain. It's why I chose that particular lot for my new home. A magnificent old tree, over two stories tall and ten feet around its trunk, grew peacefully on the edge of my yard. | |||||||
I had no idea that one day soon, that java plum tree would give me the comfort and strength I would need to survive a new marriage that had become abusive. Coming home from my show, singing each night until one o'clock, I would stand by the tree, reluctant to go in the house. Feeling so alone, I found myself embracing the tree like a giant teddy bear. I felt myself becoming calmer, comforted, and after a while, strong enough to enter the house. A bond was formed between my tree and me, and sometimes I actually spoke to my wooden friend. I began reading books about tree spirits and Native American beliefs, and I came to realize that each tree, like us, has a soul. Like nearly all neighborhoods in Florida, we had a homeowners' association. One day, some neurotic neighbor started panicking that the tree's roots would damage common property, therefore costing the association money. She demanded that the tree be destroyed, since part of the roots extended onto common property. I launched my campaign to save my friend by gathering research. I had the tree's species identified as a "java plum." I called the Urban Foresters in three counties, and was told that the root system was not invasive, turning away from sewers, pavement and sidewalks. I also learned that the insurance companies have a formula for determining the property value of trees. My tree, being well over one hundred years old, two stories tall and ten feet around the trunk, was valued between $22,000 and $24,000. Certainly, I thought, this would change their minds. Ignorance and fear do not listen to facts. I got City Hall involved in my fight, and had a petition signed by nearly everyone in the neighborhood to keep the tree, except the neurotic neighbor and the evil attorney who appointed herself spokesperson for the association without our consent. Six months of move and countermove ensued, and illegally disregarding the petition, this lawyer took it upon herself to hire the tree killers. She twisted and ignored the laws and ordered the murder of my tree. I had no options left when the chainsaw arrived. A last minute call to City Hall was in vain; she had been able to obtain the permit, paid for in part by my own homeowner's dues. Infuriated by the impending death of my friend, I demanded five last minutes with my tree. As I flung my arms around her, apologizing and gasping between sobs, I realized that she was passing her life force through me for all of her family. While the chainsaw was taking her life, the tree gave life to this song. This noble tree passed her spirit and message through me, and now, through me, to you. Remember the Java Plum. Mother
Nature's Crying.mp3 They're a big
part of your world and mine in a very special way They'll fill
your air with oxygen, and shade you from the burning sun. That's why Mother
Nature's Crying So if you live
on Mother Earth and take from her the best That's why Mother
Nature's Crying Mother Nature
cries, "Please, please, don't hurt my trees, oh please,
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Copyright © Lavandarielle 2009-2015 | |||||||