Melissa's Tree

Melissa, my husband's first wife, childhood sweetheart was taken by disease in the prime of life .   Her death left two daughters 17 and 21, both whom attended the high school which abuts the family property.  Since the Key family was intricately involved in the high school life, especially band and foreign language club the school proposed planting a tree.  The tree they planted was a flowering crab apple tree ; it was and still is beautiful.  Because of its fragile wood the Midwest storms have taken their toll over the past 24 years.  Their is one broken branch which hangs by a thread but continues to produce flowers and fruit each year. The tree began to look ragged and old even before this past summers drought. We watered it regularly in hopes it would hang on.

This past year we decided to hang a bird feeder to specifically attract songbirds.  In the beginning we did battle with squirrels who of course found a way to hang upside down and eat.  Then out came the artillery bird feeder which was weight sensitive allowing only the smallest birds to light and eat.  Faithfully each day through drought of summer, a dry fall and harsh winter my husband without fail fills the bird feeder each day.  Throughout the snows of winter we were blessed by numerous birds from chickadees, various wrens, even flickers who wintered over.  Of course some feed inevitably falls to the ground and the cardinals and squirrels squabble over the fallen seeds.  Lately we even have two hen wild turkeys pecking away of an evening. 

The most amazing thing about all of this is the tree has new life.  It's as if by attracting the song birds resurrection has occurred. Melissa who was so compassionate about the fragil and the weak would be pleased to see her tree providing shelter and nourishment for such.  We will continue to do our best to keep this sanctuary healthy and safe and attracking all those creatures who come.  And yes, even if those pesky squirrels and turkeys find crumbs we will allow it. 

After all we are called to be stewards of God's creation.  And we are the ones blessed by it.  Thanks be to God!