Roots

A tree’s root system is the invisible network that feed, water, and communicate within the greater network of trees.  It is responsible for growth.  It keeps the plant upright.

In 1981, I lived next door to a wonderful woman named Joy who taught  ceramics.   

Let me start by saying she had air conditioning in her home and we did not…

To pass the long summer days, I would spend time in her basement and I would create under her watchful eye.   

We never worked on a wheel, everything we made was poured into molds.

Once dried, we would clean and smooth the rough edges, paint, fire in a kiln, apply the glaze, and fire again.

I have often wondered what happened to Joy…to my knowledge she never had children of her own.

I wonder if she realized what an influence she was in my life. She was calm and rarely flustered. She was kind.

It was during that time I made a gift for each of my grandmothers…A ceramic Christmas tree.

I have written about my grandma Hazel’s tree.  I wrote how she adorned it with little ornaments and tiny garland and even a Christmas tree skirt.

Today that tree lives in my home and it is out and lit all year long.

This week I welcomed back home the other tree I made, my Gram’s tree.

It may have been a little rougher for the wear.   A few chips and several missing lights I glued back in place.

What I now know is that I was always the piece of ceramic that was in that mold.  Those three woman poured into me.

Adulthood is about softening the rough edges.

In some small way I try to pour into others: love, patience, kindness. All because these women fed my roots.

I am who I am today because of the woman who went before me.

And two little Christmas tree’s that remind me of my roots.