FAMILY––Best Source of Comfort

Family

Best Source of Comfort

Comfort series #3

In my novel, Baggage burdens. the death of Joseph’s Uncle Mike hits Joseph very hard. Mike died unmarried. While Joseph and Mike had spent a short time together, Joseph had eagerly nourished Mike’s ambitious dreams for his farm.

As oldest child Mike learned his parent’s values of love your neighbor, love nature and hard work. So did Joseph, who was also raised by Mike’s parents, after Joseph’s parents died in a car accident. Upon Mike’s death Joseph inherited Mike’s farm, his dog, Butch, and Mike’s dreams for the farm. Joseph lived far away from his grandparents. He was young and new to farming. He only had Butch for company and Mike’s friend and neighbor, Thomas, for a coach. Butch died two years after Mike died. While Thomas provided the farming know-how for Joseph, he wasn’t a cultivator of dreams. Needing supportive human companionship Joseph found Jill. At first she shared his excitement for developing the farm. They married. As time past, her interest in Joseph’s dreams evaporated. To whom could Joseph turn for inspiration and strength? 

Joseph chose an old oak tree; one Mike planted near his house. The tree served as an inspiration for Mike. Its new growth encouraged Mike to strive to develop his farm. He told Joseph that the tree’s growth is a sign that God loves him. As God nourishes the tree, He also nourishes his work on the farm.”   

As some people ascribe personality traits to their pet and then experience comfort, Joseph did the same with his uncle’s tree. He saw the tall oak tree as his uncle who proudly looked over him as Joseph worked and harvested his garden. Mike’s message to Joseph through the tree was, “Be brave, dream big and work hard. You’ll make your plans a reality.”

The tree served not only as a connection to his uncle but also a source of comfort and strength. After Joseph sold his farm, he returned to see his old friend. (below)

 Turning, Joseph sees what most convinced him to accept Martin’s invitation to come over for a visit––Mike’s twenty-five-foot oak tree. Near it, with its white arms reaching for the sky like a person being held up by a robber is Joseph’s companion weeping birch. Their histories wash over him like the air propelled from an oscillating fan. Joseph drifts back to the time when he and his Uncle Mike farmed together. Footsteps from behind break into Joseph’s reverie. A quick glance reveals Amber approaching.

‘Back already!’ Behind her the movement of Sarah and Martin at the patio table briefly registers but does little to stir Joseph.

When Amber stands beside her father, he points to the two trees and water dripping from the leaves. “See.” He pauses. “They’re crying. They’re happy to see me.”

Amber looks at the glistening water droplets falling from the leaves.

“They miss me.” Joseph’s voice is so low that Amber has to check to see what causes her father’s unexpected response. Little droplets trace down his face.

“You’re right Dad,” she says quietly, wrapping her arm around her father’s waist. ‘You miss them too,’ she thinks, wishing she could be more of a comfort. Her father’s story about Mike planting the oak tree flashes back.

Joseph’s wiping of a tickling tear reminds Amber of mourners at a graveside.

haiku capsule

                                                                            a    tall    old    oak    tree

                                                         keeper of partnership dreams

comfort from the grave

Next blog: Image Worshipers – Joseph’s Cross