When Gentle Giants Fall

A week ago, we had a storm roll through. While it didn't seem like a storm out of the ordinary, it blew down a very large, very old tree at the park near our house. If I had to guess, I would say this tree is at least 200 years old. Just massive. As it tumbled, it brought two others down. Now there's a huge open area where the three once stood.

Ella loves "her trees". Nearly everyday, we go to the park to burn off some energy. It has all kinds of amazing things for a toddler to enjoy. A lot of room to run, giant trees, a small food bridge and a two story gazebo. Not to mention the lake and dog beach which are always fun to watch. One of Ella's favorite things to do is touch the trees. She runs from trunk to trunk, carefully maneuvering over mounds of roots to get right to the base and feel the bark. It's pretty cute to see such a little, soft hand carefully touch the old, rough bark of a tree that's withstood civil, world and cold wars. Seen Ojibwe silently canoe across the lake, to be replaced by speed boats pulling water skiers. Small resorts turn into houses. A resort town become swallowed by urban sprawl.

The tree was all the talk of the town, everyone was out to check it out, take photos and stand in awe of how giant this tree really was. And as quickly as it fell, after laying in state for the week so people could come admire it, it was gone. The city had it cleaned up and removed before a wedding at the park. A couple of stumps remained and standing on their sides, they were about my height.

So now we visit the park to still run and touch the trees. There are three less to visit, but Ella enjoys the giants that remain. And of course, the new dirt pile that is left in place...what toddler doesn't love a good dirt pile?