The Survivor Tree
There are a number of "survivor trees" in the world. Perhaps the most well-known in the US is the 120 year old (est.) American elm that survived the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and became part of the memorial that honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of that tragic event. For me, trees like this also serve as a source of inspiration, as demonstrations of resilience and luck. They are also messengers, delivering an expectation of perseverance and tenacity for those who have survived after things have gone sideways.
In the header is one of my personal survivor trees. With naught else around it, this tree has been the recipient of multiple lightening strikes over the years. Yet every year, it survived and came back in full vigor. Regardless the season, this tree was an inspiration during my first wife's 10 year cancer battle. It was just within range of her walking endurance except on the days she was sickest. I doubt many people walking the nearby trail even noticed this tree.
The picture is from 1998, in a stretch of land where I used to see fox, deer, and horses. The surrounding fields were being quickly consumed by godawful gigantic homes, so I doubt this field or this tree still exist. I couldn't bear to go back and find out.
Another survivor tree of "mine" is on the island of Kaua'i, Hawai'i. It's somewhat well-known - called by some the "Monkey Tree," although I've never seen a monkey anywhere on the island let alone in this tree - and posts about it can be found on the Intertubes. It's located near the end of the road to Polihale State Park.
I have a distinct memory of seeing this tree on a visit about six months after Hurricane Iniki hit the island. The storm basically parked dead center on the island for the better part of a day and stripped the island bare of green. Sadly, I've lost the pictures I took of the even sadder condition of this tree. (This was in 1993 - pre-digital cameras) But it, too, came back in full vigor and even though this tree is 4,000 miles away in physical space, mentally it is clear and present whenever I need it.
I would love to hear any survivor tree stories you may have.