I watched a little one from the window the other day — precarious at first, as she nudged closer to the tree.

“The tree can hear your wishes, you know,” I once shared with her. “Whatever you want, whatever you need — if you offer to Tree, he’ll help to make it so.”

At first she scoffed a grand display of disbelief (she is 8, after all, and ‘far too old’ for these sorts of things). But, leaning in – I could tell, the magic of story had already taken hold.

Her father died when she was just four — a ‘casualty of war’ they termed it, a hero amongst even the strongest of man.

We had talked on and off over the past year, “Do people remember you when they go to heaven?” she once asked.

“Oh, my darling – I’m quite sure of it.” I offered, knowing the truer question inside.

I watched from the window as she knelt before the largest (and subsequently, wisest) of oaks. She reached into her front coat pocket for a small envelope, which she placed lovingly at the base of Tree. I watched as she said a few words, wiped her eyes and then raced back to home.

Not being able to resist, and likewise knowing that even the strongest of Oak might benefit from a ‘helping hand’ — I grabbed my coat, walked to Tree, knelt down and read her letter.

And I cried, because these little ones with the seemingly smallest of hearts *always* have the most heart to give.

I don’t pretend to know the ‘magic’ of this Universe, though — I do feel there is a greater power at hand. For how could this little one possibly know that through her question my own heart might be healed?

Sometimes, we have all the answers, my loves — and other times, we just have to believe.

I hope Tree won’t mind that I’ve penned a response,

“My dearest love,

Of course, I remember. You are my heart, you are my life, and you are my song. I shall love you forever, no matter how far. Remember to take good care of Mom…she needs your love from both of us.

Love, Dad”

I left my letter under a ‘loving’ stone, and thanked Tree for bringing us together.

It’s those littler things, my dearest darlings which may ultimately heal this world.

Namaste ❤️