Sunday, April 29, 2007

Nostalgia

29 APR 07
Reminiscing is a part of my life now that I’m the big 4-0. You will indulge me a little reflection. This picture is my old house. After being born in Brooklyn, we moved to the little town of Wappingers Falls (near Poughkeepsie), NY. When I was about 8 years old, my dad and I planted the tree you see in the front yard.

26 Swenson Drive

There is nothing that shows you the passage of time like the growth of a tree. I mean, just look at that canopy! We did that. I was there when we took the little sapling and carefully placed it in the little hole we dug. I watered it and mowed around it and sat near it and dreamed of what it would look like some day. I even had my first kiss right near it (well, technically my 8 year old “girlfriend” and I stuck our tongues out at each other and they touched. We both agreed that it was disgusting, and we’d never do it again).

Similar to writing a book, this tree gives me a little immortality. I know it won’t last forever, but it will likely outlive me, and that is somehow comforting.

Thank you so much sis for taking that photo. I think I need to go plant a few trees with my kids.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was my pleasure to take it as well as share it with you and our sister. I drove right past the house initially because of how large the tree had become. I didn't recognize it. Although it can't be seen in this picture, I planted one of the trees on the side of the house with dad. The "Mrs. Hauver" side of the house. I don't even know how to spell Mrs. Hauver.

DrChako said...

Hoover? Heffer?

All I know is, she hated it when I jumped over her hedges.

Didn't there used to be a hedge between us and the Cubberly's?

Nick said...

Good post, very deep. It is amazing to see the growth of that tree over 30+ years.