The Trees Tell Time

Fifteen years ago I planted these trees with the youth in the AmeriCorps program I administered. We spent the day working side-by-side with a group of mentally-disabled adults. For years I’ve wondered about the trees whenever I passed by the area. This week, in need of sustenance, I searched for their location.

Perhaps I needed to physically see a result, to see time pass and circumstances change. We planted them a long time ago, but my years with the AmeriCorps program provide some of my fondest work memories. I loved working with the youth and helping people all over Montgomery County.

I wondered how much growth to expect in 15 years. This is about what I pictured. The area was a little grass field when we visited, dug, planted and shared lunch together. The trees are so solid today, beyond my reach.

Maybe I just needed to physically see results. When I changed jobs from a national environmental policy organization to a local nonprofit developer, I realized I preferred to be able to physically touch accomplishments. Walking through apartments was so much more fulfilling than reading about a report sent to the Hill. Perhaps I’m all about action and not policy.

Lately I’ve been thinking about the next phase in my life. My husband laughs at me because I keep saying, “This is it. Whatever I decide to do next might be the last thing I get to do before retirement.” Apparently he doesn’t think I’m old enough to be worrying about this quite yet. He’s probably right, but as I inch closer to 50 next week, I’m feeling the time running out. 

In 15 years I’d like to think I will have grown whatever I decide to plant right now to be big and strong. I want to see mature trees.