Gifts That Inspire

This weekend, we had a college graduation party for a family member.  Nothing unusual here right? But the circumstances are special.

This graduation was for a single Mom of two kids 8 and 4 years old, works full time, and fought off the breast cancer beast for two years with many surgeries and treatments.  Through it all, she remained positive, upbeat and so strong.  She decided to get a degree through a local community college and by gosh, she did it and graduated with distinction.

My husband and I wanted to get something that would have a special meaning now and in the future.  Since she owns her own home (that too) and redoing some landscaping, we thought a plant or a tree could be a reminder that as it grows and becomes stronger, so does she.

I am a believer in symbolic meanings of things. 

I went to @Home Depot and spotted a few contenders.  Since it had to  fit in my vehicle, that limited the possibilities.  I searched the tree yard and then searched the symbolic meanings of the plants and found that Arborvitae means “Tree of Life” in Latin.  These trees symbolize strength, long life and everlasting friendship.  Perfect!  This specimen found its way to my car on its way to a new home.  Another interesting factoid about Arborvitae, during New Year’s celebrations in China, the aromatic branches are used as good luck charms.

I planted a row of Arborvitaes at one of my homes back when.  They were just little 12″ plants.  They grew fast and to this day, 25 year later or so, they are still there and looking good!

So how does one wrap a tree?  First I wrapped the plastic bucket with tissue paper and lots of tape.  I had to adjust the tissue a few times but it was fairly easy.  I had clear plastic gift bags in my gift wrapping closet that I put the bucket in and then tied off with this pretty ribbon.  Thankfully Arborvitae has soft to the touch branches and greenery (another reason I picked it).

I feel confident that as this tree grows and thrives and survives, so will this amazing woman continue to grow and thrive.

Hope you are thriving today Friends!

Sofia