Dedicate a Tree in Loving Memory
| When my wonderful Dad died a few years ago, it was very hard when his birthday, Father's Day and Christmas came around. It was also very strange not thinking about getting him a gift and a card. And it didn't seem right to me not to do something to mark this special day in his life. An idea came to me about planting a tree on these occasions, and dedicating a tree in his memory. I let that idea sit for a bit in my mind. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. I wanted to do something meaningful for Dad every birthday, Father's Day and Christmas, not just as a one off. Something that would last. Now, If I were to plant a tree... The idea took root. One night I realised that if I were to plant a tree for these special occasions every year, that would add up to quite a few trees. If Dad were alive, I would have bought him a present - so why not do something in his memory for trees and the planet? It would be a great way to mark Dad's memory and remember him on his special days with something really meaningful. People and animals all need trees for wellbeing, so everyone would benefit. Dad always loved sitting with a book under a tree, so it would be perfect! And it's actually fun, looking for the next tree I'm doing to donate to, or a sponsor an acre scheme to support. Ultimately, there will trees around the world, all dedicated to my lovely Dad. When I started, I thought:
Dad loved travelling and seeing new places, so I've supported different tree projects around the world. I don't always plant a tree... Sometimes I donate to a conservation appeal or sponsor an acre in his name instead. It's all helping nature, doing something long lasting and feeling close to Dad. He loved nature. Dad's first tree dedication was in Sussex. The Woodland Trust had an appeal there at the time, so I chose to make a donation to it in Dad's memory. I am chosing places Dad had a link to - in this case, he was an avid Winnie the Pooh fan, and of course Winnie the Pooh and his friends played Pooh Sticks in East Sussex, so it was a great choice. Dad's second tree was in Alderney with the Alderney Wildlife Trust in the Channel Islands. Dad loved the occasional trip to the island and we have happy memories of family visits there.
Ever since this idea took root (couldn't resist that one), I have been doing this. I am thinking of where to plant my next tree for his birthday. Dedicating a tree or sponsoring nature is a lovely way to remember someone. Dad will live on through our cherished memories of him and through the trees we dedicate to him. And it makes things like Father's Day much easier. When I see lots of Father's Day cards in the shops, or see mentions of it online, I think to myself, I must plant a tree for Dad, or, also, sponsor an acre, or donate to an appeal. It's a really positive thing to do, and it makes days like this much easier. When my mother's time comes, I will do something a bit different. I'm going to do something for flower charities. She loves flowers, so I think this would be a great way to remember her and do the planet and our pollinators good at the same time. Rest in peace and keep eating the chocolate, Dad. Love you lots xxx |
| Charities you could look at for planting trees, sponsoring an acre and appeals
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