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 Like a doctor removing something important, Herb
Collins gently peeled the wrapper back from the root ball and
tenderly placed the baby tree in the hole. Then he stood and walked
around it to see which way he should align it. Actually, looks
pretty good just the way it is.
So he took his bucket of mixed sand and compost and began sprinkling
it down onto the roots and then packing it in gently with his fist.
Every few minutes he’d stop and read the directions again. When he
ordered the tree, the nurseryman had written back “Are you sure?”
Well, that made ol’ Herb laugh. Yes, he was sure. He’s always sure
this time of year.
He was still chuckling to himself when Janice Thomas walked along
the sidewalk.
“Hi Herb,” said the high school art teacher. “What is it this year?”
“Papaya, Janice. Nice healthy one, don’t you think?”
Janice took a close look at the little dark green tree.
Papaya.
“Isn’t that a tropical tree?”
“Sure is,” he said, tucking more dirt around the roots. “I have to
read the instructions carefully to get this right.”
Janice thought carefully before speaking. “Papayas sure taste good,
Herb.”
“Sure do. Wouldn’t it be nice if this lives long enough to produce
fruit?” [to top of second
column] |
“But you’re not expecting …”
“Of course not. The first nippy day in autumn will turn this little
guy belly up.”
He looked up and smiled at Janice’s consternation.
“You know that banana tree almost made it to Christmas last year.
That was my best so far. We’ll see how this little guy makes out.”
Each year Herb plants something in the front yard that has no chance
at all of being there the following spring. He’s done it for years.
It gives the neighborhood something to look at and talk about, and
it’s fun.
“You know, Herb, if you’re looking for fruit, a cherry tree will
produce …”
“I’m not looking for fruit, Janice,” he said, gently. “I’m looking
for glory. Glory!”
He laughed. “Where’s the glory in planting something that will grow
here? Anyone can do that. But a papaya? Ha! There’s glory in that.”
[Text from file received from
Slim Randles]
Brought to
you by yourself … and me, as we take off our hats to the brave men
and women of our medical and emergency services. Thank you.
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