As December approached, I found myself missing my friend, Michelle, more and more. She left us only a year ago. There have been many changes in one year’s time. Adjustments. Rethinking things. But longing to hear her voice and laugh with her over every day life stuff~ well that has not changed.
So I decided I would laugh with her again. I went to the store and bought a few little decorations…. on a Sunday afternoon, I talked hubby into a short drive to look for the perfect little tree. And while he thought I’d lost it at first, soon he was laughing too. He pulled the truck over on the side of the road as he’d spotted a Snoopy Christmas tree. This was the right “Michelle” tree. Round and round with the cheap tinsel he went while I added red plastic ornaments. Michelle was all about helping stray animals & people and stopping traffic to save a turtle from the middle of the road, and real Christmas trees. She would love this tree.
I know. It’s not very pretty. But it sparkles and shines in a field full of lonely. Surely smiles and curiosity are stirred in those who pass by? Who would be so silly? Well….me. And hubby. And Michelle. Smile.
Here’s to a new tradition. And to friends and family. And to laughing again.
Merry Christmas, my friend. ♥
p.s. just so you know….I will be returning to this tree to remove the decorations after the new year. Having given this a bit more thought, in the years to come when we choose a random “Michelle” tree, we will decorate it with items that the critters can enjoy munching on through the winter days.
stuff i tell my sister 
I’ve never heard of decorating a tree in it’s environment, this is so cute 🙂
Haha….cute in an ugly sort of way….but we did it with heart…. and lots of laughter!
That’s the secret recipe to great memories 🙂
What a wonderful idea!
It was the best therapy ever! 🙂
So thoughtful of you.
Love this!! What a great gift to anyone who comes upon it…and a beautiful memorial to your friend!
Thank you Jeannette. We miss her every single day. And I am loving driving by her tree. 🙂
I love your ps… and the fact you didn’t cut down the tree… brilliant idea…
♥ Thanks Bulldog ♥
In my travels winter hiking various trails I’ve occasionally encountered a tree that has been decorated. Each time it has made me smile because of the randomness and made me wonder why.
Now – it will make me think of you and your friend Michelle …. and I will still smile 🙂
What a beautiful gesture!
How fun it would be to wander onto such a tree while hiking!! Bless you ♥ Thanks for thinking of Michelle ~
I love this idea! What a fun & beautiful way to honour the memory of your friend!
Thank you, Lynn…..this was just a fun time. We drove by it a little while ago when we were out….it just makes us smile. 🙂
LOL — how did you know that’s what I was hoping… that you would undecorate after the season for the animals sake!
And I love love love the idea of decorating with edible treats for the animals! Fabulous idea I might just have to ‘borrow’!
So glad you found a way to laugh with your friend.
A very blessed and joyous Christmas to you and your family Paula.
We drove by her tree a little while ago, Louise. It’s a bit shaken….but still hanging in there. It will be sad taking the decorations off….so rather than wait til next year….I am going to put some treats on it at that time.
Please, Please….do this. It will make your innards feel good. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Louise. Hugs ♥
Very sweet and inspiring! Merry Christmas!!
♥ Christmas Blessings to you and yours!
What a wonderful idea Paula and way to remember your friend! ❤
Diana xo
♥ Hugs to you, Diana! Ty ~
What a lovely idea for a tribute! 🙂
Thank you so much…..wonderful therapy!
LOVE IT!! 😀 What a wonderful way to honor her! 😀 Good for you!
Thanks so much….wanted to do something fun & special for her….but I think it ended up doing more for me. #therapy Appreciate you and Joy so much!
Every day you give me something new to smile about, feel good about, and count my blessings for knowing such an amazing human being. I’m so glad you choose to honor her life, and your friendship, by celebrating the things that you loved most about her and that doing so brings joy and laughter to your life still. It is the ultimate gift she continues to give to you and yours to her. Beautiful. ♥♥♥
Oh Rhonda….you are just too kind….and you know me well enough now to know I’m a bit mean and a bit cray-cray. I miss this girl so much, so thank you for honoring her with your words. You are a dear. Big ole hugs! ♥ psb
mean? oh please! as for crazy…well, the best always are. and I send big, warm, crushy hugs to you my friend…thinking of you. ♥
Beautiful….and a new tradition has started ❤
Why yes it has. Some crazy pretty in the field north of Sam’s Club. ♡
Well I can just imagine Michelle wondering why you didn’t decorate that tree with lots of buttons as a continuing rememberance of her. I still have the button you sent to me from her Memorial
Service. I guess they wouldn’t show up from the road though. I like the relaxed way the tensil was hung. I betcha it brings lots of smiles as people travel that road to Sam’s Club. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Delores! ♥