When the clinic was built, it was my design. Even down to the landscaping and the plants chosen. I was specific about every detail. Most of the suggestions and ordinary choices were presented as best case and they assumed I would make ordinary choices. When I said no, not this clinic, they shook their heads and gave me looks of disbelief. I stuck to my guns. I picked things that were elegant, visually appealing and warm. I picked plants that would be beautiful to look at it, not maintenance free. IOne of the plants I picked was this tree and its location. It was only 3 feet tall and barely a twig. It grew as the practice grew.
When it came time for the last big remodel, the tree was in the way. I was told it had to be sacrificed. It had to go. Again, I made the not so ordinary choice to save it and have it moved. Yes, it was going to cost me. Most of my choices do in same way “cost me” something, but the right choices aren’t always the easy choices and the easy choices aren’t always the right ones. I stuck to my guns and said “Save it.” It flourished and so did the clinic. I didn’t baby the tree over the years, it flourished on its own.
When decided to sell the land and the building, the inspector said it had gotten too big and was now too close to the building. It would need to be cut down. Again, I fought to save it and have it moved. Unfortunately, this time, it wasn’t just my decision. Thankfully, the new owner allowed me to move the tree and graciously allowed me the time to move the tree well after the sale of the property when it was best for the tree (November, not July). Yes, it cost me, but today it rests in its new home on our new property. On the Compound it can continue to grow and flourish for many many years to come without ever having to be moved again.
Its not just a tree. Its a piece of my history and my future. Its a story that will be told over and over. Its a reminder that things change. We grow. Its good to have roots, but sometimes we outgrow the space we are in and when the time is right, or necessary, we move and we acclimate. We put down new roots so we can keep on flourishing. Its also a testament to sticking to your guns when it comes to making the right choices. Hard choices often cost us something, but they are worth it.
Goodnight tree. Goodnight everybody.
