Dear friends,
I hope you are all very well!
As we approach Holy Monday, a time of reflection and renewal before Orthodox Easter, I am reminded of the incredible transformation that spring brings. Nature awakens, bringing with her a sense of rebirth and regeneration. In this spirit of new beginnings, I want to share a story from our own backyard that captures the essence of this hopeful season.
In the heart of our garden stand two cherry trees, affectionately known as the sisters. Each year, they burst into a spectacle of pure white blossoms, their branches so laden with fruit that they gracefully bow to the ground. These trees embody strength and generosity, thriving solely on the vibrant life that encircles them—our family’s multitude of emotions, our animals’ companionship, and the natural world’s subtle contributions.
A well-worn hammock swings between these cherry sisters, cradling our moments of peace and connection. It hosts our quiet morning reflections, joyful gatherings, and serene evenings spent under the stars. These trees silently partake in every laughter, tear and conversation, their presence a constant comfort.
Fluttering from one cherry tree branch to our porch are Tibetan prayer flags, sacredly witnessing the ceremonies and healing of what has become a spiritual sanctuary that these trees guard. These flags, now sun-bleached and wind-torn, are testament to the years we have walked this earth together—the trees, my family, our animals, and me. This corner of our garden feels like a gateway to a world where nature and spirit intertwine, guided by the gentle sway of the prayer flags in the breeze.
The roots of these trees hold something very precious to us—our beloved dogs Scratch, Phoenix, and Ruby are buried there. It was a natural choice, as if the trees themselves offered to protect and keep our furry friends. When we said our last farewell to Ruby, I initially hesitated to disturb the roots again, but the trees reassured me, making room for him without any sign of disturbance. It's comforting to think that our tears, memories and love for our dogs help nourish these trees in some mystical way.
After Ruby passed away, I was worried about the trees bearing the weight of our grief. One of the sisters came forth to ask for a thread of prayer ties, a request that touched me deeply; in the past, she had been my silent companion each time I tied my prayer ties for an upcoming Vision Quest. Yet, life, with its distractions, led me astray, and I failed to fulfill my promise. It was not until a strong wind came, breaking the string of the Tibetan prayer flags and wrapping the branches in an impromptu embrace of prayer, that I realized the interconnectedness of our support systems. The wind, understanding my grief, had stepped in to help me fulfill my promise.
These cherry trees are more than just part of our landscape; they are deeply woven into the fabric of our family. It was under their reverent presence and intuitive wisdom, that we assisted Lily with her healing, after the nearly fatal accident she had almost two years ago. Each cherry we pick and savor is imbued with the eternal love for our animals, a flavor of love-forever that bursts on our tongues. They nourish us with resilience, remind us of the cycles of life, and the unseen connections that sustain us. Through their sturdy existence, they offer daily reminders of love’s enduring presence, supporting us in both visible and invisible ways.
Together, under the watchful eyes of the cherry sisters, we continue to weave a tapestry rich with love, learning the language of the heart that speaks across all species, in every rustle of their leaves, every bloom on their branches and each fruit we taste.
Now, beneath the cherry trees, my beloved niece crafts her sacred space with sticks, stones and flowers, talking to our angelic dogs and greeting them in the blue expanse above. Watching her, I am reminded of the purity of love and the strength of the connections that ground us. It's a beautiful sight—her young spirit intertwined with the enduring spirits of those we’ve loved and “lost”.
Here, under the heartfelt whispers of my sisters, the cherry trees, we remember the language of the heart, spoken silently but felt deeply across all beings.
In this space, love is not just a feeling but a force—evident in the laden branches, the quiet comfort of the shade, and the eternal cycle of giving and receiving that nourishes the soul.
As we are about to celebrate this Orthodox Easter, let us embrace the spirit of renewal and regeneration that this season embodies. May the blossoming of the cherry trees remind us of the beauty of starting anew and the promising abundance of the fruits of our love, and may our hearts be filled with the hope and joy that this time of year represents.
Wishing you a peaceful and rejuvenating Easter.
With immense love and gratitude,
