After the 2009 fire at our previous residence, there was just one thing that I wanted to make sure of. That is, upon completion of the rebuild, a Japanese maple tree was planted in the front yard in place of the other trees that were destroyed. My wish was granted – with no questions asked.
As beautiful as the newly built house was, however, knowing that we were not getting any younger, I still wanted to live closer to the Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield – as most of you already know.
Fast forward to late July 2021, we closed on our current residence, which is essentially next door to the hospital. Its location was perfect, but the interior was quite dated. Major interior remodeling work started immediately thereafter. A little over two months later in October, the place was move-in ready. Finally.
At first, I did not pay much attention to the maple tree by the front entrance. I suppose I was too preoccupied with the interior, which needed much improvement. Today, as I sit at my usual “perch” in the kitchen and look out into the tiny courtyard, I realize the tree’s prominence and importance to the rest of the residence. Until just a few hours ago, I didn’t even think of it much at all, let alone pay attention to it. Now, I started thinking, “What are the chances that the tree that came with the property of my choice happened to be a Japanese maple?”
The tree is currently about seven feet high. The top layer of the leaves is vibrant red, especially when the sun shines on it. From there, the color gradually changes to subdued green toward the bottom. The tree is beautiful, functional, and growing on me big time.
In summer, when it is full of leaves, it provides a perfect shield (privacy) for my perch in the kitchen from the common area of the condominium complex. As winter approaches, it sheds them completely and provides a clear view of the quiet street. Come spring, it starts to get filled with new leaves once again. Nature’s cycle of life is simply amazing. It is like magic.
The only thing I do with the maple tree once a year is to keep it trimmed back one foot away from the exterior walls – to help protect the brick by keeping bugs and microbes away. (I learned the importance of such maintenance practice from a bricklayer. I also learned that allowing plants to crawl up brick surfaces is a big no-no.)
Like a pet, it is as if our Japanese maple tree completely understands my inner thoughts and remains faithfully on my side no matter what. Who could have imagined that a tree could provide such peace, calm, and comfort in my life?! Or, perhaps, it’s nothing more than a reflection of the calm that I feel inside – period. Either way, life is good.
