My mother’s best friend once told me she put cutting down a big hardwood tree right up there with murder. I’ve never forgotten that. Maybe it is because I read Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree to my kids so many times.
Last week I arrived at work to a company in dismay. It appears the people who are trying to do so much good for our forgotten Ninth Street corridor with their “Beyond the Divide” initiative also took it upon themselves to cut down the oldest tree in this 4-block historical district. This tree is – or should I say “was” – an 80-year-old hardwood tree and a favorite gathering place for those getting out of the sun on our annual Juneteenth Celebration and other outdoor festivities. It was also enjoyed by FAB employees through our State Street windows.
It was a mistake.
I write about this not to upset anyone (I’ll leave that to karma) but to remind all of us how long it takes to grow a hardwood tree and how important they are to our neighbors and our planet. The decision to cut down a tree of this magnitude should take much consideration and deliberation.
Peace to those who feel the loss.
About the Author
Kerry McCoy founded FlagandBanner.com in 1975 with just $400 and a dream, building it from door-to-door flag sales into a multi-million dollar enterprise. With over five decades in the American flag and banner business, her insights into patriotic trends and flag sales patterns come from serving customers nationwide during times of celebration, crisis, and everything in between.
Kerry is also the host of “Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy” radio show and continues expanding her business empire through Kerry McCoy Enterprises while sharing the entrepreneurial wisdom gained from decades of building the American dream.
