You wouldn't think that losing a tree would be devastating. We all just walk or drive by without notice - with thoughts of them only when we have to rake their leaves or marvel at their fall colors. But for many, including myself, trees are everything. Trees are our protectors. They give us shade. They give us solace with their waves of movement in the gentle breeze. They give our ground strength and our air oxygen. They provide beauty with their canopies through all the seasons. They entertain our kids with tree houses and tire swings. They grow up with you. We take yearly school pictures next to them. They give you signs when you are asking for prayer or looking for hope. We talk to our loved ones who have passed while looking up at them. They speak to us in so many ways. Trees are majestic.
My beautiful and wise elderly neighbor has lived in Cedar Rapids for decades. She could tell you about every tree in her and my yard, as her mother used to live in my house and they planted many of the trees together. Thursday was a sad day - her last tree in her yard could not be saved. She already lost her beloved shade tree in the back of her home when the storm took the beautiful maple. Thursday, the one in the front also had to go as it would not come back to its full glory. Upon deciding, I could see that she was emotionally drained, so I sent her inside. My husband cut the limbs down one by one - and I carried them to the piles of debris on the street. Her house was now bright from all angles. Not a single area of shade. She said, "...my home was beautiful with those trees and now it's just ordinary." She is right. Although bright, her home felt bare. Naked. I told her that I thanked each branch for its beauty through the years and the shade it provided as I moved them to the curb. I placed my hand on the remaining trunk and took a deep breath and exhaled my gratitude. She felt comfort in this and so did I.
My property also lost multiple, including two 100+ year old trees. We will plant new trees, but it will take years to become what was.
In her front yard - all that remains is a 3-foot high stump of the tree - whereon top she proudly placed a large fern plant - as to soften the harsh view. It does make you smile.
We do have plans for that stump though, we will bring a little cheer and build a whimsical hobbit house or magnificent sculpture for all to enjoy - and to be a reminder of the historic Derecho Storm of 2020.
So many trees in Cedar Rapids have fallen - fifty percent of our tree canopies and 1 out of every 2 trees are damaged or gone. Our landscape is forever changed - until the trees return.
