How strong is my and our root system?

a question for these times

It is an extremely windy night, with hope that the power will stay on.

As I sat eating dinner, I watched the wide variety of trees rimming this property and across the foot of the lawn. Many species, most very old.

I was struck by, perhaps, the hundreds of storms and winds they have survived, even if at times losing some branches, and once in a while, yes, a whole tree falls.

I thought about their root systems and incredible strength that holds them firm.

In the light of their presence and dance, I began to ponder my own roots during this time. How strong are they? What has nourished them over my lifetime? What can I count on in this moment and the days ahead?

What winds have I endured in my life? What winds have almost taken me down? Where have I perhaps lost a branch along the way?

What is going to keep me strong now, no matter how hard the winds for they are here, my friends, and they are going to call on and likely test our strength.

Just as I do not know if the power will stay on in the house tonight, I do not know if the power is going to stay on in our democracy.

I have my house lanterns ready. Are my own soul lanterns ready too?

I also know that the trees have root systems that support each other.

May we find those in one another, across differences just as the the species of trees survive together so that we can survive as a whole.

The trees bend and sway but they are committed to resistance when the winds blow.If it was not for the resistance, they would not survive. They do the work when the storms and winds come.

May we do the same. May we be the same. May we be resisters and preservers of the 80 years of strong relationships with our allies and not give up until that is once again restored.

And may we help Ukraine stay strong, as it has endured beyond anything I can imagine. The roots of leadership, those who are the physical front lines, and all who reside there without power, too little food, loss of family members and more are examples of a deep root system.

Here is one way to reach out and I know others have been posted as well. Feel free to add other resources as a comment.

Contact the Ukrainian Embassy 202-349-2963, Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Embassy of Ukraine, 3350 M St. NW, Washington DC 20007, emb_us@mfa.gov.ua

Call, email, or mail a postcard.