A grafted Peach tree

      One year for our anniversary our three children bought us a precious gift. It was a grafted peach tree with three different kinds of peaches. Three different varieties, just like my children. I was so excited the first year it budded and bloomed. I loved that tree so much. 

     But we had to leave it in the ground when we left California, but before we did, I had one last precious moment with that tree. I stood in front of it and said goodbye. It was summer, and all the branches had baby peaches on them. I told the tree that it was beautiful. I told the tree I loved it.

    From the moment we put it in the ground, it became so much more than just a sapling. It was our family taking root. Our years of life there still continue through that tree, and I often wonder how big it's  become.

     I pictures it's branches laden with three kinds of fruit. Our strong-willed, first born, Mama teacher peaches, growing soft, beautiful, and bold upon her branches. I think the fruit of her peaches might have a bit of sassy tang. And her fruit is most definitely the queen of the tree. They are the ones in charge. 

     Next to them, I imagine our son's. His peaches, ever so charming and mischievous. I see them dangling upside down to tease the picker. The fruit of his peaches has a sweetness that lingers. And the juice that dribbles down your chin makes you laugh.  

     And on the last set of branches sit our fiery haired baby's peaches. And they, are one with the tree. In total communion with the roots and the trunk, shining in the sun as her fruit refracts the light differently. Her peaches are stunningly unique. They taste like nothing else. 

     And then,  I imagine the pickers. When they come to harvest this beautiful fruit, they pause. There is a tangible hesitation as they consider what they see. It's as if magic stands between their hands and the peaches they want to pick and they know it. 

     And then, pulled by the strength and sureness of the first set of beautiful fruit, they touch one and truly know what it is they are holding. 

     Then, I see them turn as the charm of the next branch entices them with a force they cant deny. They want whatever that is.  

     Finally, the sun hits the third set of peaches and the light is so bright and the fruit so pretty, they are mesmerized for a moment. 

    And so...  

     They take one of each because they know that having all three different peaches gives them the absolute best that peaches have to give to anyone. 

     A warmth spreads through me as I picture this. And I chuckle imagining what each of my children's peaches will taste like to the picker. 

     I wish I could watch this, because I know I would smile.