
Finally, this spring after discovering that the trunk was rotted and hollow inside and that during a windstorm it could fall and either injure a passerby or do serious damage to my house, I made the decision: I had to let go.
During this time of Covid-19 when death seems to be all around us, cutting down a tree seems insignificant. But to me the death of any living thing is no small thing. And this Arbor Day it seems fitting that I pay tribute to the Sugar Maple that stood silently for over half a century giving enjoyment not only to me and previous owners of my house, but to those who happened to pass by admiring its beauty. As I watched it being cut down, it was my fond hope that the tree's wood would find new life as flooring or cabinets in someone's home. If that's the case, then I am comforted in the realization that my tree is being enjoyed by another family. Goodbye Sugar Maple. I miss you.