Gratitude Journal, Nov. 7, 2020 The Angels in the Tree

 Nov. 7, 2020

This is Angel Oak Tree in John's Island, South Carolina. It's a magnificent tree that's estimated to be 450-500 years old.

My big sister and I were planning to visit it back in August 2017 when we were going to also be at the very spot of total darkness during that year's eclipse.

That trip just wasn't to be, but my husband took me to see it two-weeks ago and I'm ever so grateful to have finally had the opportunity to stand in its shadows.

The tree sits among millions of other oak trees on a small island off the coast of Charleston. It's an unassuming location on a one-lane dirt road that could easily be missed if you're not paying attention. It makes you wonder how it was even discovered. It's far from the grandiose entrance that I expected, after seeing what I now know have been enhanced photographs of the tree.

But as soon as my eyes locked on Angel, I simply broke down and spent the next hour channeling my sister, walking throughout all of Angel's low-hanging branches, placing my hands on her bark, listening to the wind blow through her leaves, whispering to her my appreciation, and leaving her a few of my tears.

We spend as much time as possible camping, hiking, and bike riding. I love seeing nature in all its glory; the beach, sunsets, rainbows, the mountains, leaves turning in the fall, the shape of boulders, rainfall, rocks on riverbeds, and even the force of a hurricane -- all of it leaves me breathless every single day. Nature brings me joy.

As a result, I pick up pinecones, rocks, leaves, shells, and sticks off the ground to bring home to enjoy forever. Those little "trinkets of nature" are a constant reminder of the beauty that stands before us each and every day.

While visiting Angel, I picked up some of her twigs off the ground and immediately saw a way to enjoy those twigs and honor my sister.

I'm so grateful for sight, not only in my eyes but in my heart -- to see and appreciate the beauty that is nature.