When a tragedy occurs, sometimes comfort comes in unexpected ways.
When I placed a journal at the site where my son died I didn’t expect much. Maybe if I was lucky I’d get some questions answered. To my great surprise many strangers wrote in the journal-reflecting on life, expressing sympathy, and most importantly, sharing their stories and struggles. It became an inspiring, healing journal that far exceeded my expectations.
My hope is that I can continue this journal online and expand it to include a worldwide audience.
Hello Vicki
I have been mountain biking the trails for about two years. As I come to be more familiar with the trails I branch out. Today I turned down the small unmarked trail that lead to the tree and beautiful daffodils.
I sat at the log and took pictures of the area. I said to myself I must come here again.
I saw the stick with the journal in the woods on it. I took a picture and googled it when I got home.
I was so very saddened by this story, my heart goes out to you.
I would love to help you rebuild and beautify the site. Please feel free to reach out to me.
It’s a beautiful site. Let’s keep it beautiful.
John.
Hi John,
Thank you for your kind words and offer of help. It would be great if you could pick up any trash around the site, just watch out for the poison ivy which will be around soon.
I will be putting in some small raised beds with flowers later this spring. Vandals have been destroying the plants, so I’m going to go slow and see if they leave them alone.
Vicki
Hi Vicki
Thanks for replying to my message.
I felt compelled to return to the tree yesterday (Sunday) I found a bag and cleaned up as much as I could.
I’m a carpenter. Perhaps I could make some sort of trail marker or a plaque, something.
I would love to be able to help in some way.
I think even “vandels” have a heart.
Maybe some way of designating a “memorial grotto”.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do.
John L
Hi John,
Thanks so much for cleaning up I really appreciate it! I’m not sure what we should do at Treehaven. The vandals do not have a heart, they are angry and like to destroy. I’m sure it’s kids and they will grow out of it. Let me think about it and I’ll post here with ideas.