This is Christofer’s tree:
We planted it, and his ashes, in the front yard. Close family, and friends like family, were here. Small, intimate, sad and touching.
It’s a Sun Valley Maple. Someday, it will look like this:
It’s not what I wanted. I wanted an oak. That seemed a bit cliche, but I wasn’t sure what else fit. Chris was strong and beautiful and withstood so many storms without breaking. But I wasn’t completely set on it. My mind was open. When we discovered that we’d have to wait until next spring for an oak tree, we looked around for something different. Nothing jumped out at me, not even the Sun Valley Maple, until I saw the one we bought. Here’s why:
See that? Three splits instead of the typical two. It “spoke” to me. It looks like a Norse rune, though I couldn’t remember which one. Chris was really into runes. When he was younger, being blonde-haired, blue-eyed and over six feet tall, he was convinced he had Norseman blood mixed in somewhere. It was half-joking, but only half. When I saw this tree, I knew it was his. I meant to look up which rune looked like an upside-down leaf rake, but never got to it. Until yesterday.
While putting something away in the closet of his room, the rune book slid off it’s precarious perch. I figured I’d look it up while I had it in my hand, before I forgot again. Maybe my brain had stored this information in one of its many folds, nudging me to choose that particular tree but…
Algiz~Protection
What was Chris if not protection personified? That’s just who he was. But it goes on to say “Control of the emotions is an issue here […] New opportunities and challenges are typical of this Rune, and with them will come trespasses and unwanted influence […] Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self.”
0_o
I guess the tree really did speak to me.
You can go through life pushing off all the little messages that come through, or you can look at them, see them for what they mean to you, and absorb. Sometimes I feel dumb, reading so much into everything, but isn’t that what I do as a writer? We add in these little signs and symbols that some readers will never overtly get, but will be pulled in anyway. They make the story richer, give it depth. It’s the same with life, no?
Note: I said this wasn’t going to turn into a tribute site for Christofer; I suppose I was wrong. Kind of. This started out as a “cool Chris” event I wanted to record, and ended with writing. Writing is life. Presently, Chris is influencing everything that flies forth from my fingertips. I suppose it’s a natural pairing right now.
Modesty Is For Suckers 
I love this, Terri. A beautiful tree, fit for a beautiful spirit, and an incredible message. (((((((((((((((Terri)))))))))))))))))
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A beautiful & fitting tribute.
And this place where you write can anything to want it to be.
Love in abundance
Carol
xXx
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Or even, anything *you* want it to be…
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Love!!!
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Beautiful, Terri! I think there is meaning in everything. Perhaps choosing that tree was Chris looking after you! So many hugs for you right now and always.
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A beautiful message. They’re all around us but we’re not always aware of them. Couldn’t the book sliding off the shelf into your hands also be a spiritual communication? Love is the strongest emotion and opens us up to those reaching out wherever they are.
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I had that thought, too, Renee. ❤
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Terri, I see signs everywhere since my darling Jordan left me, and yes, sometimes I feel dumb, as you said, but we need these things to help us know that they are ok, and in a better place. Any kind of comfort, is comfort just the same. Love the tree! When my baby girl died 34 years ago, we planted a pink flowering tree (flowering cherry) It still lives and blooms every year at the time of her death. I hadn’t thought about a tree for Jordan, but you have inspired me to plant one too, and I hope it is as special as Chris’s tree.
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I left you a Facebook message, Jackie. ❤
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Leaving the pool today, I walked over to see the tree and the bench. A beautiful tree and spot that you picked. Very peaceful and you’ll be able to see it from the house as well as outside. A wonderful tribute to Chris. ❤
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I forgot to show it to you! I’m glad you stopped to see it. ❤
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A beautiful tribute, Terri. And what an outstanding, incredibly beautiful tree it will become! I still talk to my dad. I know he hears me, b/c I’ve asked for his help, and he answered. Chris will always be watching over you & communicating with you. I truly believe that. You’re an amazing person, so I know he was an amazing young man. I wish for his tree to bloom in all it’s glorious splendor.
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Thank you, my beautiful cousin. Love you to the moon and back.
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It’s gorgeous. Wonderful, Terri. ❤
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