Two Trees

I have learned that everyone has beautiful qualities and it doesn’t matter what shape, size or health status possessed.  At the end of the day, the lesson is: to see the beauty in our self as well as each other, reach out to your partner and give unconditional love and you will find the true meaning of connecting spiritually.
In my speaking career, I talk about a lot of topics, mostly related to chronic illness. On a few occasions, I’ve had the pleasure of discussing relationships.

I wrote a speech a few years back that centered on “Susie” a fictional character who has lived with a chronic illness most of her life.  She was in search of the key to a loving relationship. You may relate to Susie’s story as you lean on your partner – and your partner leans on you – in order to get through the tough times together.

Susie had exhausted all angles, to no avail. It seemed no one had the key to lasting love. She had talked to her friends, her family, and she had read many books. Nowhere did she find just the right words. Then one day an old woman approached her as she took a break on her hike through the hills.

“What is your problem, my child?” the woman said, squatting down next to Susie. “Why do you sit with such a long face?”

Susie told the woman about her quest. The woman said, “Take a look at the trees around you. What do you see?”

“They are beautiful,” Susie answered.

“What about them is beautiful?” she asked.

“Their colors and shapes,” Susie replied. “They each have a unique silhouette against the sky and their leaves are in a million shades of green, yellow, gold and orange.”

“Oh,” said the old woman, pausing to think for a moment. “They are beautiful because they are different?”

“Yes, I think so,” Susie said.

“See,” the old woman said, “You already know the first lesson in love. Honor our differences – they are what make us beautiful.”

Then the old woman walked up a small hill, Susie following after her. “I think I have the perfect example for you.  See those two trees over there?”

“Yes,” Susie puffed, catching her breath. She noticed the old woman’s breathing was steady.

“They have stood next to each other for hundreds of years, each planted firmly with their own roots. But see how they have slowly grown together, their limbs delicately intertwining?”
Susie nodded.

“Look at the smaller one. Unfortunately, it was hit by lightning and has already lost most of its leaves. The other, its leaves are intact,” the old woman pointed at the larger tree’s branches, bursting with color. “Notice how its limbs overarch its partner? This year, the tree will help protect its companion so it will survive the chilly season and thrive next spring.”

“The trees are separate,” she continued, “but they will always stand side-by-side. And in the winter, like most of the trees in the valley, they will be completely naked.  But - they will have become much stronger because they have overcome adversity and know the significance of one another. 
Most importantly, they have each other to endure the cold weather together, reflecting on precious memories while sharing their dreams of what the spring will bring.”