Hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, we came upon this tree with long gaps in its trunk. From this side, the tree appeared to be almost hollow. I thought it might be dead.
But when my eyes followed the trunk all the way to the top, I saw green leaves on its branches high above.
Life goes on even with the challenges.
I thought about what I’ve read of neighboring trees supporting the sick or injured with nourishment and support through an underground network.
The other side of the trunk looked more solid.
I’m glad the caretakers of the trail have let this tree live and inspire us.
Thursday Tree Love is a photo feature hosted by Parul Thakur on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. For more treelove, visit:
https://www.happinessandfood.com/thursdaytreelove-88/
Anything is Possible! 
May 28, 2020 at 11:02 am
thank you for sharing this hope! 🙂
June 11, 2020 at 9:45 am
You are most welcome, Wendi. I’m glad you felt the hope. 🙂
May 28, 2020 at 11:48 am
May 28, 2020 at 8:20 pm
Thank you! Trees have so much to show us!
May 28, 2020 at 1:21 pm
Mother Nature shows us the way in caring for others.
May 28, 2020 at 8:22 pm
She shows us over and over again for which I’m thankful.
May 28, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Nice! Perseverance, indeed.
May 29, 2020 at 6:37 am
Wow! Nice photos of the tree Jo! It is a bliss to spend time with nature and the kind of lessons we learn by observing them is priceless. Good post and I enjoyed reading it. 🙂
May 29, 2020 at 10:39 pm
Thank you, Anjana! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and that you understand the bliss. 🙂
May 29, 2020 at 9:04 am
This looks amazing!
May 29, 2020 at 10:51 pm
It was a big surprise to see those leaves at the top. Trees are amazing! 🙂
May 30, 2020 at 9:01 am
Its a survivor! I guess the cells on the renaming part have taken over the function of the affected part and ensured its survival! Thanks for sharing this wonderful tree!
May 30, 2020 at 11:01 am
Thank you for that explanation. It makes sense. I’ve read about our brains doing that. There are so many wonderful systems and designs in nature.
June 4, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Amazing!! The pic of the leaves the top is certainly a surprise 🙂
June 4, 2020 at 8:40 pm
Yes! Seeing those leaves was a pleasant surprise. 🙂
June 10, 2020 at 2:07 pm
What a lovely one, JoAnna and I loved the looking up shot. Thank you for sharing and joining. I hope to see you tomorrow.
June 10, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Thanks, Parul. It’s such a different perspective when we look up. I’m going to work on tomorrow’s tree love now!