Ode to the Lilacs and Trees

When Gabe was young and lived here, I would find him lying on an area where 3 lilac branches formed a hammock just his size. He called it "my resting place". Over the past 22 winters, I have fed many birds that have nested in my huge maple tree and lilac "forest". I am so thankful for the shelter and shade these magnificent living things have provided for birds, even squirrels, my family, pets and me over the years. I know I had hummingbirds, goldfinch, many woodpeckers, robins, sparrows, and orioles who would perch on the branches within my sight. Early this spring, a tiny goldfinch left its nest too early. It kept trying to hop into the highway, so I picked it up over & over again in gloved hands and brought it back to its anxious parents in the backyard. I eventually placed it near them, prayed it would either learn to fly back up to them or at least be safe, and I went back inside. I hope it is in the flock of goldfinch which has been scolding everyone who comes to take away pieces of their former home. My yard will now be sunny. My entire roof will not be shaded from the hot summer sun but will gain solar heat in the winter. The tree stump is gone and I now have an area where cars can safely turn around before heading back onto the highway. It is a change. Change is inevitable, and I will adjust again, and pray the birds find shelter in the big sugar maple which remains to the side of my backyard. I found at least 20 Lilac "shoots" coming out of the ground around the lilac "tree" (over 25 feet high!) which was cut down. I found 4 clumps of Trumpet Vine around the garage pad. Life is coming back to my yard. Different shapes, less shade for now. I still have my bird feeders and there will be food for winged creatures in my yard again this winter!