all tagged up and no place to go

Jörg just reminded me that we have a tree, tagged and paid for, waiting to be put in our yard.

A few weeks ago Annika told me that she wanted a tree, a tree like Hannah's tree in front of Mulberry School. At first I thought she was talking about a memorial tree, in case she died. This, of course, nearly made me swerve off the road as my heart went all stiff and heavy, stopped beating, and plummeted to my ankles.

But, no, she hastened to reassure me, she just thought Hannah's tree was so pretty. And she thought there should be a tree in our yard for her. Because if you plant a tree to remember someone you miss, then we should have done that, too, in our yard.

Besides, she pointed out, trees are great.

And, because I was incapable of arguing against a single one of those points, I stopped the car at the nursery we were driving past on the way home.

Hannah's tree, a Purpleleaf Plum, wasn't available in a small size (for easy planting), so she agreed to an Autumn Blaze Maple, instead. We paid for it and left it there, planning to borrow our friends' van to go pick it up later. Then Jörg, a.k.a. Mr. Rules Are There For A Reason, insisted that I call to get the utilities marked before digging the hole.

So I did, and waited the 48 hours. Then it rained. Then Annika went to the hospital for the rest of the week to get a transfusion and her electrolytes back in balance. Then we went to St. Louis for a quick family trip together. Then we came home. I did laundry. And, boom, liver time!

Which means that there is still a lonely little tree in a very manageable 7.5 gallon pot marked with our name, and waiting to be planted in the northwest corner of our backyard. So, is there anyone in our town reading this who feels the urge to plant a tree? And maybe take some photos of the planting to show Anni? If so, email me ([email protected]), and I'll give you directions to the nursery, where the tree is paid for and ready to go

Comments

[Keri (Auburn Gal Always)]

If I weren't in Alabama and it wasn't like a 32 day drive (not so good at guessing driving time) to where you live, I'd absolutely LOVE to plant your tree for you. And my Stinkerbell would LOVE to help. (She's quite the gardener, at least she fantasizes that she is. Truthfully, she's a pretty highly-skilled weed-puller-outer!)

It's funny the things you think of when you're camping out in the (P)ICU waiting room days at a time, isn't it?

I hope the day has gone very well.

How is Frankie? I've wondered how she is handling the events. Give her hugs from all us who are watching her big sister's progress.

[Kathryn]

I'm no more help that Keri, what with the Atlantic and all....but wanted to drop in with another collection of hugs and prayers before heading off to sleep here.

[Mary Kiernan Lee]

This is the first time I ever wished I lived in Illinois. I think it is wonderful that Annika remains so connected to Hannah.
On my way to Church now for some prayers for Annika and donating blood tomorrow, am going to have filet mignon tonight to make sure my hemoglobin passes.

[deb]

We live in Illinois- if there is no-one in your town that can do it, let me know([email protected]). My husband and I would love to drive down and do it for you!

What a perfect excuse to take a day off work!! (both my husband and I own our own businesses, so it is not a problem AT ALL!!)

deb

[jessica]

Would totally do it. Except I'm in NYC. And I don't drive. So it would be really difficult.

:&

[amy]

Hey, props to Jorg. I thought I'd picked a delightful spot for my sugar maple, and it's been very happy there, and I only noticed last summer that it's growing happily right next to a water main.

Dumb, yes.

Moreena, this is a tiresome kind of question, and I used to get it all the time while taking care of my husband, and there was never any answer beyond "thanks, wellmeaning idiot, I just keep moving, because there's nothing else to do": How do you get rest and help? Because while your reaction to Annika's question was totally understandable, it was really, you know, *primed*. Are there drugs that stand in for relief, music, company, pacing? What do you do?

[moxiemomma]

cape cod is too far from illinois, sadly, but this is a project i would love to undertake. i am certain you'll find someone to plant and photograph that tree soon.

xomox

[Bluestem]

Are you near the western Chicago 'burbs? Email me!

[Angie]

CRAP! I live in Wyoming??? A little too far to come to plant a tree, but if I lived ANY closer I'd be there in a heartbeat! Moreena, I am so glad that Anni is doing well (all things considered). I feel like I am a little bit of a stalker right now....checking your blog so much! She is one of my favorite "liver kiddos". My sister always laughs when I talk about any of these kids. She asks..."where does she live?". And I always say, "I don't know...in cyberspace". I was actually ABLE to tell her where Annika lived:). Hope only good things are to come. Your family is always in my thoughts!

[Mrs. Val]

Moreena-

I can do that for you. My Son and Husband both have a truck and I know Tara and I can dig! Please call me and let me know where and when to pick up the tree.
Sorry, my personal e-mail is down. Thinking and praying for each of you-
Mrs. Val

[Megan]

I would plant it too, but I am in California. You guys are always in my thoughts.

[leah]

Hooray for Mrs. Val!!! I've been waiting to see if Eric would be up for doing this together. Keep us in mind if you need a backup. Always thinking of you and Anni!

[moreena]

Val and Leah--I've had two offers from friends here in town, so I think that little tree is getting planted, after all!

Bluestem--only if 2 hours south counts as close!

Thanks, everyone!