The Two Trees
Majestic and towering were two of the words I used to described this tree that was planted in the school's garden a year ago. There were some leaves and colours of spring green when it found a home in the corner of the school. It was a great addition to our garden.
The tree produced ample leaves in the beginning of its stay. The new environment made it susceptible to adjustment. The ground must be constantly watered but it wasn't the case. Weekends meant no water as there was no gardener present during those days off. The tree started to turn weak, spurting sparse of leaves, and believed to be dying.
After this winter break, I came to school and was appalled to see the magnificent tree that became my model in most of my sad stories in life. It was trimmed to its half, leaving only one side that had bore leaves during the span of the past seasons. It looked terribly scarred, hurt, and desolate though there is hope that it will grow.
My grandfather used to be a happy fellow when he was still living in our place. He settled in Santa Ana and met friends even if there was a language barrier. I remembered him always alert, laughing and filled with life until he needed to moved. In his new found home, he tried to adjust but the place was not conducive to neighbourly chatter. He lost his friends, he became quiet, and the sadness in his heart made him weak and longing. He passed away many years ago but I will always remember how jolly he was in the company of others.
Currently, my dad is being encouraged to move in with my brother and I do believe he knows in his heart why he does not want to leave Santa Ana. It is his home and it is where he established a family and found solace through happy and sad moments. Taking him away from his comfort zone might not work thus his decision to stay.
In my life I learned how to stay put when I am happy in a situation whether it is personal or professional. The convenience is there and I do not need to constantly adjust and change things. But I also learned that if I stay put in a place where I am not happy, I will be like the dying tree. I always question myself if I will find solace in a new place or in a changed situation. There is always no answer, not even any assurance so it takes a lot of courage to accept and make changes.
So when I left the country I took in me three things: hope, courage and will. Hope, that I will make a positive change in my life by doing the right thing. Courage, that I may face the challenges of being in a different land. And will, to experience great things in life by making the bold step to leave.
I will stay like the first tree, strong-willed and brave but making the second tree picture as a reminder to continue with life's viccisitudes.
Comments
Growing up with grandparents is a very great experience, not all have had. Im happy you had. Coz I, myself had enjoyed my time being with my lolo and lola.
It must be really hard for your dad to accept the changes, I hope he accepts it positively and wont pose any health hazards to him.
Of the three you had brought with you, I think it's the will thats most important. One can only hope if there is will to hope and one can only be brave if he choose to be brave. So keep that will and that faith. It will take you to a lot of places, adventures and maybe you can also meet extraordinary people! Happy Sunday!
Minsan mahirap umalis sa comfort zone mo pero ako iniisip ko na minsan dapat at subukan mo na lumabas sa comfort zone mo para malaman mo kung ano ang naghihintay na supresa ng mundo sayo. If ever na hindi ka maging masaya may option ka naman na bumalik ehehe.
My time with my grandparents were fond memories of my childhood. I had the best time with them that's why I was saddened when they moved to another place.
I encouraged my dad to move but I know he won't do it. It will be difficult for him to adjust with his age, way of thinking and health issues.
Yes, I bring with me will, the will to go on and make changes not only with my students but also within me. To be stronger, better, friendlier, happier and at peace.
I wish I can have a support system by being around people like you but I guess my choice limits me to be around great people.
Yes, my friend. Life is a rollercoaster but it also stops. When it stops, you will know that the exhilarating feeling of being in a relationship, work, family issues, and the like will bring learning experiences. Your choice is to be in a place where you will be happy with someone.
I remember the first person who hired me from the university to come here and she mentioned to me when I wanted to leave her school. "Go spread your wings and when the flight becomes wearisome, you can always come back to my school."
We must leave our nest to see the world because we can only make regrets in the end.
Well said, and it is only within our own power that we can be sure whether we can stand or fall. We are resilient and adaptable to changes but we can also fall that's why hope comes, faith, courage, free will, wisdom and love.
That is why, at work, I always see to it that the elderly get the attention they need when they with me.
I moved a lot, but I always try to adjust myself to be content and happy until an opportunity to a better place or situation comes.
I salute you for your will!
Have to google the last Word. ..:)
you keep a company and stay in an environment that makes you happy... that makes you grow.
A lot of younger people can learn from you. I am actually interested in your job as you deal with the elderly. I remember having great moments with them because of their stories. I learned a lot from my grandparents too.
Finding happiness and roots to grow, almost always the goals of everyone.
And it works when you find a family to call your own. Take away the bad vibes, move forward to the good ones and grow in greatness.
Change is one thing we don not like and for the elderly, it is always a struggle. I will not be able to dictate to my dad where to go but I can be there for him if he needed me. Thanks for the visit.
Like with families, whatever happen, they will always take you back and with deeper friendships, our friends will always be there no matter what. That's why we need to nurture relationships and communication.
It's a realization and for those like you who are still young, remember that the time will come for you to decide and make changes for your family and yourself. Though we build our own lives,we know that we still need to be in the midst of our parents and siblings. As for the posting, go!
It is always hard to leave something that you have been doing for many years. But if there is one thing that I learned in this life, it's the fact that life is too short to refuse change in your life. There is so much to be explored. The world has so much to offer.
I admire you for deciding to leave and find your luck in another country. Such decision entails courage.
Understandable na dahil sa mga bagay na dapat pagukulan ng pansin ay medyo nawawala ang communication nyo sa isa't isa pero hindi nawawala ang kasabihan mo na makipagkwentuhan pa rin sa mga kaibigan..
maganda ang post mo. Pahingi naman ng English... hehehe
I do like some changes in my life such as visiting new places and meeting new people. However, as we grow older, just like my dad, changes are something they probably do not entertain in their lives. I am a witness of how we grow when we do something different and in my case, though I am conveniently settled in my place, I still wanted to infuse such living with excitement. In this way, I learn.
I wanted my dad to go away, to travel, to make changes in his life but the old way of thinking is far different from how the younger generations think. I am just afraid that if I push through with the move, it becomes radical to his taste.
Yes, sep, you are still young and you should enjoy life. Try to find your place in this world and when you had challenged yourself enough, then it is time for you to make a permanent place to stay, to grow older, and look back at your life. No regrets, but great experiences.
At dahil na rin sa layo at oras at pakikibaka sa buhay, darating ang panahong mawawala ang mga kaibigan subalit ito ay panandalian. Ang tunay na kaibigan ay laging magiging kaakbay sa ating pagtanda.
Wala po kayong comment kahapon. Thanks for the compliment. Like what I mentioned, pahingi rin ng Filipino. I wanted to write in the vernacular pero baka maging katawa tawa ang kalabasan.
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Happy Birthday sir Jonathan!
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Hapee beerday :D
You are right, one step at a time especially for those who are afraid of change or the unexpected. I am afraid of my father thus the posting but k do hope that he will realize that change, for now, is going to be good. It is something he needed for a long time.
Maraming salamat. Gaya ng puno, inaalis din natin ang hindi makakatulong sa ating paglaki tulad ng pakikipagkaibigan. Naway kahit na lamang sa pagsusulat, ang mga taong kumakatok sa ating mga tahanan ay ating maging tunay na kaibigan.
I do love this story of yours. Hindi naman kasi pinatay ang avocado tree, pinatay nito ang alaala ng iyong ama. The tree must had been a root cause of conflict between yours and others that's why your mom decided to let it go.
I can learn a lot of things from your story and I can make many versions of this but I will let this beautiful narration to be a part of my posting about grandparents, parents and change. Thanks for the wonderful sharing.
I do blog hop but I rarely write a comment unless it is relevant and heart warming. I look for quality and the way the writer can narrate his or her experiences through words or pictures where I can still give a valid contribution by writing a comment. Thank you as well for appreciating my visits.
Thank you for the greeting.
I also felt the need to seek my fortune and look for where I should mark my footprints. though I have settled well in Thailand, my stay in here is constantly bombarded with changes for the better so as to grow.
My heart goes for your grandmom as I do understand how losing one's promised love can give us heartaches and loneliness.
These are typical of all the expatriates, no one is spared, whatever the counter arguments may be :)
Just be cool, float in life and live in the present.
When one door closes nature opens many interesting doors.
Work permits are available aplenty in so many exotic places !
"Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you :)
Great wisdom is often spoken by people who are wise and you are one of them. Your words will inspire and encourage people to try new things and by motivating them with positive vibes, we feel less scared.
Ask, search and knock...three words to ponder.