Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Story of our Tree

Our Tree may not be the most beautiful tree on the block, but it definitely has a spot in our hearts. Shortly after moving in, we put a baby swing on a branch. We've played underneath it, rested underneath it, raked many leaves under it...and then jumped in the piles over and over again. After Elijah was old enough, we switched out the baby swing and hung a wooden saucer (above). Elijah absolutely loved it. We loved lots of things about that 'ol tree, but now...our tree is gone.
It all started with the winds from Hurricane Ike Sunday, 09/14. We arrived home that evening from church to no power and a huge chunk of our tree laying on the ground.
Sadly, we were told it would probably be best if the tree came down. So tonight, that is what happened. Joel, Ben, Max, and Scott brought her down. I must say it was a bit nerve-racking! That tree was HUGE! Here are a few picks from the evening.

The mastermind, Joel, making the first cut. Yes, he is on a ladder, with no safety harness and a CHAINSAW!!

Ben and Joel up in the tree. Its hard to relate how big the tree was, but you know its big when Ben looks small way up in there! They were tying a rope around the trunks at the top to pull it down. Mind you, we don't live in the country, we have neighbors. "Please don't fall on any one's home!"

Elijah had a moment to himself. All the other boys were running crazy and Elijah was just taking it in. He was whimpering the other night about losing the tree. He told me swinging on the tree was his most favorite thing to do ever.


So this next picture looks weird, but I morphed about 5 pictures together to save space. Its supposed to be the progression of the fall. After tying ropes to the tree, they tied the other end to Ben's truck. Yep, they're CRAZY!
OK, so God blessed us. The tree came down, exactly where Joel was hoping it would fall. No people, homes, cars, light poles, or plants were flattened. Thanks so much Joel, Ben & Max. You guys are awesome to help us out!

Elijah and our 2 neighbors, Kevin & Jacob

The Lonely Swing...
I guess we need to find somewhere else to hang it!

4 comments:

Brad and Fran Hoagland said...

Awwwweee! I am sentimental about losing trees too, so this is a shame. But, I am glad your house was not damaged by the tree or the storm.

Kimmie said...

So sorry your wee lad lost his swinging tree. That is sad. I remember my daughter weeping over a tree that we had to take down, she was 5 and just couldn't be consoled, you see the tree was her friend and it was just too heavy for her wee little heart.

Praying for a new spot for the swing.


Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted

meg said...

we so wish we could go on the 18th...but we have a wedding to attend. :) can't wait to meet you guys eventually! we're so happy to have our NE ET group!

Anonymous said...

Hi Frances, Scott and Elijah~

What an emotional time for all of you. I love trees too. We just came through the mountains today and the leaves had started to turn colors and it was so beautiful. God is so awesome. A person cannot look at the magesty of those mountains and not believe in God.

I pray Elijah will find another tree to love. How is preschool going for him? He was just a little wee one when he was living at our house and it seems just like yesterday (not 4 years ago).

Take care and see you at your house tonight (Tues). Just got home from Myrtle Beach so I am on my computer as usual. Almost had computer withdrawal. Mary