Sunday, February 16, 2025
5.0°F

Trees can bring sense of friendship and connection

by CAROL SHIRK KNAPP Contributing Writer
| January 29, 2025 1:00 AM

Our summer trees aren't looking too pretty right now — except for the evergreens crowding the mountainsides.   

They stay the same through the seasons. I wonder how they like that — is it boring? Or maybe they are currently feeling a little smug — warm in their shaggy needled covering while their deciduous neighbors shiver in the cold.  

One thing about trees — they need their leaves for looks. Even a gigantic oak — or a towering maple — appears a tangle of nondescript limbs in its bare winter mode. I've had many favorite trees over the years — beginning with one I climbed as a kid at a vacant property down the street — and read my book sitting on its hefty lower branch.   

My frontyard silver maple — while a teenager in Priest River — in my biased belief had its life cut short — literally — a few years ago at the age of 100. I called it the Magnificent — or Mags. It sheltered and shaded my parents and brother and me back “in the 1900s.” Portions of it bring companionship yet in my present home — a tabletop, a lampstand, a couple of bowls.  

When Terry and I left Alaska, I was the last one at the house. My tradition is to wave people off. I thought, “Who's going to wave me on my way?” Just then I looked up to see the birch trees swaying in the breeze — and their bending was all the wave I needed.   

As trees can bring a sense of friendship and connection to people, there is a fascinating interaction that occurs among the redwoods themselves. These giants sink roots only 6 to 12 feet — but they spread in all directions for 80 feet or more. One tree's roots intertwine with another's in a vast underground support system — like holding hands — helping them withstand high winds and storms — and grow to 300 feet. Their specialized leaves are also able to “harvest the fog,” keeping the redwood forest moist.  

There is something compelling about this bond for the human world. These trees link — and they all benefit. One of the first things a predator will do in the animal kingdom is isolate its prey. The Bible refers to — “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” I can picture that someone — alone — vulnerable in some way — ill or disappointed or grieving — feeling ostracized or depressed — like nobody cares. I have been that someone.  

To be “redwoods” for one another is a pinnacle of the human spirit. I see it in the stories of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina — in the fires of Southern California. People — strangers even — interlocking, offering support — helping each other make it through the storm. We need this in our everyday living, too. That phone call or text — a hand offered in service — a monetary gift to ease a financial burden — a home visit.  

I just got a “Love Box” for Christmas from our daughter — the whole family can send photos and messages to me from an app on their phone. A little heart spins, letting me know to lift the lid — I have a message! That's how I feel opening my Bible. Today I read, “Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another.”  

Reaching out — connecting our “roots” — makes possible growth and strength for each other. We can be something no one has ever imagined — a redwood forest in North Idaho.