The Tree Outside My Window

The Tree Outside My Window

Pull up a chair and sit awhile

August 31, 2026

Dear Friend:

It was the beginning of August, always very hot in the south, I was moving into my new apartment. One thing I looked forward to was the shade from the tree right outside my windows. I was also looking forward to the cost savings on my electric bill.

To be honest I am not even sure what type of tree it was. I just knew I liked the cost savings and the privacy during the summer months. I like to sit out on my balcony in the summer and drink a cup of ice coffee. All made possible by the tree. The tree was also the home of a few birds which I also enjoyed watching.

This summer I started to notice the tree swaying a little more and creaking. I began to question the health of the tree. Also on my mind was the windows that were very close to the tree. During thunderstorms the tree was thrashed about and came close to the windows.

Two days ago I was working at my desk and I heard a noise outside. It wasn’t the tree swaying and cracking. This was the sound of power equipment. The noise stopped and I noticed a tree at the far end of the courtyard was gone. The workers had left and I did not give it another thought.

The next morning I was working at my desk again and the power equipment was back. By the time I decided to get up and walk out on the balcony to see what was happening my tree was gone, not trimmed, completely gone. I felt sad at losing that beautiful tree, my shade and privacy. It is always sad to see a tree cut down. But in my heart, knowing our great maintenance crew, I thought there had to be a good reason. I learned that the tree was dying and could not be saved. There was the answer to the swaying and creaking.

There are other trees in the courtyard as they grow, they will provide shade again. Years ago I married into a big farm family, so I’m a little more in tune with Mother Nature. and how things work. When you're around farming and nature, you get a different understanding of life. Everything has a season—growth, flourishing, decline, and eventually making room for something new. This is the cycle of life even for trees. The tree served its purpose, gave shade for however many years it could, and now the younger trees get their opportunity to grow.

The tree is gone. The sun comes through again. The other trees in the courtyard are still growing. Someday, they'll provide the shade I miss. Maybe the tree wasn't being taken away from me. Maybe it was simply making room for what comes next.

Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.

Be well,

Emma

Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.