The Angel Tree

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The park was still and quiet as I stood against the trunk of my tree, the tree I named Angel.  This tree saved my sanity when I thought the entire universe was against me.  Angel has been my comfort over the past years. Its beauty and strength seemed to fill me with the faith that I would one day come out of this darkness and back into the light.  The tree gave me the self-belief that my emotional pain would eventually ease, and I would accept my situation and move on with my life. Angel had whispered comforting words, encouraging me to stay strong, when I most needed a strong arm around me.


The big tree stands high, almost touching the clouds above its highest branches. I’m sure it has many stories locked away in its roots, deep down in the earth, because it has witnessed many happenings over the years.  Not just my story, but others who may have told the tree their fears, hurts, and guilty secrets.  


I gently touched the rough, dark bark, allowing my fingers to trace the patterns on the tree’s trunk and said, “Hello Angel, I have some news.”   

The leaves on the trees rustled, and the very top branches swayed slightly in the autumn breeze, as if to say, “Do tell.”  


I smiled, feeling that warm comfort of the tree’s trunk against my body. “I have found love again, you said I would if I just let life take its natural pathway.”


The tree branches swayed again, and leaves of gold and red showered down over my head, then drifted to the ground.  “I’m glad you are happy for me,” I whispered, loving this moment with Angel.  “I will still come to talk to you, because you are my mentor, and give me the courage to carry on in my darkest moments, and I will always love you.”  That may have sounded silly to anyone listening, but there was no one there except me and Angel.  


The tree’s branches seemed to sway closer to my body, and I knew it understood. I walked away, turning back to blow a kiss to Angel.  I felt safe, comforted, and looking forward to my life with my new love.  I could see him walking towards me, his smile beaming brightly, just like the sun through Angel’s branches.  The moment was magical. I felt blessed, lucky that I’d found Angel in the days following my late husband's death after a car accident five years ago to this very day.  Now I have made peace with myself and my angel in heaven, and I know I can be happy with my new love, leaving the guilt behind and embracing my new, wonderful life.     



© Jan Hope

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