Death of A Tree #2

[gonfishn]

My grandfather planted a Jack Pine when my mother was born at the Homestead in Northern Minnesota. It endured harsh winter,Winds and anything else that mother nature could throw at it. During its 85 years it attained a height of over 100 feet. This last winter was pretty hard on the ole scrub and some limbs fell almost hitting our log home.

I brought a friend up who is a wood carver to enjoy some fishing with me. My mother cried when we told her we dad to cut it down. It broke our heart to do this knowing what it meant to her.

The beaver picture is the actual trunk that was left when we cut it down. The other figures are parts of that tree. The smile and the twinkle in her eyes when she saw it would melt the hardest heart. Now when she is sitting at the table her friend will always be there with a smile for her.

Mother has Alzheimer's and her path is almost completed. This tree though will be there for all to enjoy after we are all gone.

http://img2.putfile.com/main/6/16913343930.jpg

http://img2.putfile.com/main/6/16913343927.jpg

 

[BF]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

what an awesome idea!! Give yourself a hearty pat on the back for being a good son!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

Fastastic!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

really cool Jeff.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

Really cool Jeff.

I hope the rest of the trip was equally rewarding.

How've you been doing?

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

Way cool!
Good job coming up with the win -win.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

We lost three 100+ year old oak trees on the family land, they are now all life sized carved Bears. It was my Grand Fathers idea to carve them right before he died.

On a lighter note, we also have real Bears in the area, and generally warn guest before they go to the car at night to retrieve forgotten items. Sometimes we forget to tell them about the carvings in the woods and at night the light from the kitchen window lights up one of them just a little.

My Grand Father was a practical joker, and when they bust through the door sweating, claiming there is a Bear out there, I think of him laughing after pulling a good one.

P.S. Treat the wood, if you haven't already, one of ours has started to go a little soft.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

What a great idea. Your friend has some serious talent. Good show...

 

[JB]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

That is waaaaaay cool, Jeff.

Much better than a musky lure.

 

[i386]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

That's the good stuff.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

Liked it! I liked the owl on the left in the first pic the best..... A beautiful place on the lake,too!!!!
JBJ

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

I got chills reading your post, and viewing the carvings Jeff. May god bless you and your family with the strength and courage to see your mother through the end. I experanced the cruelness and detestation Alzheimer's can inflict on a loved ones family through my mother in law.

 

[Geo2008]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

You guys are my heros! That's some of the good stuff that life can be made of it we just make it so....

excellent!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

Good stuff Jeff. I know Jeff and he is one of a kind for sure.

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Death of A Tree #2

Was kinda down when I put this up. Its tough to watch your mom slowly go through what we all will eventually Seeing the post really perked this ole codger up. I thank you.

I have been on board now for over six years. Although i dont come in as much but i will always be lookn in. Lets plan a fishn trip Spinner. I am in need of one.