The 3rd tree is planted. The marker in place. It reads: "Leslie Bucher Aschliman/ 1976-2008/ In loving memory of our Mommy, wife, sister, daughter, and friend./ "... and every time people looked at the third tree, they would think of God."/ ("The Tale of Three Trees" -A.E. Hunt)TJ and I took a walk to the soccer park today to take a peek. It was beautiful. This particular tree is a red oak, so in years to come, it will put on quite the fireworks display in the fall... so fitting for our Leslie. TJ and I played soccer in one of the vacant fields, right next to the tree. He scored lots of goals, and I could have sworn I saw that little red oak clap its branches together a time or two, in response.
It was a good evening for us. Just around the house/ neighborhood. Band and baseball (whilst watching the Cubbies get spanked AGAIN!) before bed. Just a good night. And it's been a good week... slower paced than the last few, and surprisingly, the "space" in the days has not been filled by an influx of sadness or recurring grief... I still seem to be dwelling in this place of miraculous peace and comfort-- praise God! Still lots of smiles of good memories, and an indescribable "closeness" to her... but not a heavy sadness... So weird...
A funny TJ story to end this evening-- and a reminder to you parents out there that little eyes are ALWAYS watching... He was playing at Aunt Dana's house yesterday with his cousins' play kitchen set. (He LOVES "cooking".) Out of nowhere, he stops and looks at Dana and says, "When my daddy was putting together my kitchen set at my house... he got VERY angry!"
... Well... the thing was imported and a horrible example of cheap engineering. A guy needs 5 hands just to hold the pieces in place while he tries to screw in the single bolt that holds the thing together with his toes! I mean... C'MON! Who designed the piece of........... ?!!! I mean... errr.... Was it really that obvious to him that I was that angry?
Thank God for granting me grace to make it through that "trying moment" without expanding my 3-year-old's vocabulary in a direction I would surely regret. And God help me in the trying moments to come...
9 comments:
Tyson,
That's so cool that the tree is now planted. We will definitely go over there and take a look.
I just wanted to tell you that I think of Leslie so often... makes me appreciate each day, whether good or bad... it's a gift.
It's nice to have a physical reminder of Leslie... a place people can go to just think of her.
Thanks for posting the photo.
=] emily n.
Oh, Ty, you make me cry, laugh and smile---all at the same time. Thank God for His grace, peace and deep love in your soul that gives you amazing comfort and joy. He is using you to draw hearts to Himself! Better get used to the frustrating "put together" projects--they'll keep coming and are good at humiliating and frustrating even the handiest tool guy! We have many memories of Uncle Clint's antics---assembling Barby doll houses, toys, bikes etc. Shhh! That's all I'll say about it. Drink a beer and read the directions---that might help! Love you, Auntie Gayle
The 3 trees memorial is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen/heard of. I will always think of Leslie when I read that book to our kids.
Cracking up here, Tyson! I'm the exact same way with putting things together. In fact, we have a Little Tykes car that has the front wheels on backwards because in one of my rants, I lost focus. It is a continual reminder to this day!
And, of course, I am looking forward to visiting Leslie's tree.
What an encouragement to my heart to hear that you are experiencing comfort and peace. I just somehow feel that Leslie is behind that - reaching out to you in some way even from afar. She loves you and TJ so much - and I just know she is rejoicing at how you are walking through this. God bless you.
Anne L.
Tyson, the tree is beautiful. A wonderful reminder of your beautiful wife.
I hope my kids can only say something to that effect and not "my mom tried to kill the guy that cut her off" or something really complimentary like that. Gotta love the little eyes always watching. Refining fire indeed. Ugh...
Jenni
thinking of you guys! TJ is such a precious boy!
The tree is absolutely beautiful. What an amazing memorial to Les. We, too, think and pray for you often. It really is a constant reminder to appreciate each day together.
And next time, pull the 16yr. old over that's working at Walmart, slip him 20 bucks, and I bet he'll put it together for you. That's what we do! Crack me up...
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