Mail Call: March/April 2008

By Readers Of Grit
Published on March 1, 2008
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Drag Pen for Chickens
Drag Pen for Chickens
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I thought you might like to see this photograph. It was taken in 1936. I rode this pony to deliver GRIT in the country, and after two deliveries that pony knew the route as well as I did and would turn into the correct country driveways to deliver the paper. Joe Weller, Ramsey, Illinois
I thought you might like to see this photograph. It was taken in 1936. I rode this pony to deliver GRIT in the country, and after two deliveries that pony knew the route as well as I did and would turn into the correct country driveways to deliver the paper. Joe Weller, Ramsey, Illinois

Sentinel Tree

Almost 20 years ago, I had the privilege of purchasing a 240-acre farm from an elderly woman who lived alone and could no longer care for the place. She had only one request for the farm where she had lived her entire life.

She told a story of the old ash tree, growing at the top of the hill. This tree was a landmark, marking the gravesite of the first owner of the property, an Indian who lived there during the 1800s. She requested that I not destroy the tree due to its special significance. Her family had protected the tree during their many years of stewardship, even though the original owner was known to them only by legend.

Although the original gravesite had long since been hidden by overgrowth, and the tree stands in the middle of an otherwise unobstructed field, I agreed to the request.

Many beautiful tall trees grow along a stream on this property: oak, walnut, elm and others. Yet, this gnarled old ash, sitting all alone at the top of the hill, has a special beauty of its own.

Not far away, in a hillside cemetery, the previous owner now rests in peace. Standing like an aging sentinel, the old tree is visible from the cemetery where she lies. From time to time, I look at the ash and imagine the previous owner is also looking, drawing comfort from sight of it still standing. She closes her eyes, reassured the sentinel ash continues to protect the first owner’s resting place as well as her own.

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