Not just any tree. Quite an extraordinary tree in fact. Standing tall and strong with a mahogany trunk streaked with gold, and with multitudes of umber and cinnamon branches you allow yourself to wave gracefully with the four winds. And on each branch are boundless accumulations of healthy emerald leaves of every shape imaginable and colorful blossoms that are fragrant and flourishing. Clustered amongst your leaves and blossoms are fruits from every corner of the world that are bitter and sweet. This wide assortment of a natural bounty represents you, all your gifts that you have to offer the world. Your branches are not bowed, heavy and laden as one might think. In fact you lift them high, unburdened as you reach out spreading them far and wide as you attempt to share your gifts with others. But, sometimes the proffered gifts are not readily accepted by all. So you learn.

You learn to be gentle and yield your gifts carefully as others traverse on their paths around you. Perhaps then with the gentle brush of a leaf or the whisper of a fragrant bloom, or the temptation of a bittersweet fruit, it is understood that you offered an attentive ear, a friendship to bloom or a tantalizing tale to be told. It is a gentle invitation not a demand. You perceive the feelings and reactions of those around you. You allow them time to examine your very essence and you them. You are neither insulted nor dismayed if your invitation is rejected. And you are pleased if it is accepted. You are a tree of understanding.

Equal in number to your many branches are your roots that dig deep into the moist healthy soil, intermingling with other trees, but you do not drain energy from them. Some may be just as healthy and strong as you are and others do not flourish and stand as tall. You spare them shade so they may gather warmth from the sun, and shield their roots so you all share in life giving water. And you offer just enough space for comfort, even though your branches may touch on occasion as the wind blows. As unique as you are, you offer a sense of belonging accepting and recognizing your differences, knowing your roots share the same foundation. You are a tree of compassion and respect.

As a tree you can appease the soul yet you can tease the imagination. You communicate to know when to share your fruits, let your blossoms drift with the winds, or know just how long to allow your leaves to rest against another�s. You live and let live. You are a tree of compromise.

But you are willing to take up root at any given time and wander, move freely and journey as far as the winds have carried your leaves and blossoms and listen to how your tales have been told. No �tree� on this earth can do that. Your branches can only reach so far, and you accept and realize your boundaries and limitations and do not even begin to pretend, to give false illusions of yourself, and do not give into the expectations of another. But your roots are strong and will walk you as far as you want to go. You could wander and explore across the endless expanse of space and time, across the earth if you are so inclined. You are a tree with imagination and a sense of exploration, strong and worthy, with all your gifts you have to offer. But you remain firmly rooted in the knowledge of �who� you are, reaching out with your �heart� �mind� and �soul�, as far as you can reach, sharing your gifts of knowledge and insight, imagination and caring, spirituality and patience.

On more than one occasion a leaf, a blossom or a fruit has fallen in my path and after examining it for a long while, I realize just what it was you have tried to show me. You are more than just a tree, beautiful and unique standing strong swaying gracefully in the wind, freely sharing your gifts, quietly understanding and patient. You are the tree of trust. The tree of friendship. The tree of love.

It takes a lot to be that tree. To be you. And you do it so very well. And I have learned. And I thank you.