Sonny’s Trees

by David West

My backyard joins a beautiful field of grasses and wildflowers that all merge at the top of a small rise where a red barn stands. It’s a calm, restful place to walk or look upon and relax. One thing stands out in that

field to me. There are 10 pecan trees proclaiming a remarkable story in that bountiful field.

Sonny, my neighbor, planted the trees. Although he was aware he would probably not enjoy the pecans from these trees, he planted them anyway. He wanted someone to enjoy them. He also understood those individuals would probably never know about him and his trees. He was okay with that. Sonny understood how to be a blessing 40 // August 2020 for another person. First of all, he wanted to do it. He wanted to give this to another person. Second, he put the work into it and planted the trees. Third, he maintained and nourished the trees in their critical time. Finally, he was thankful to God that he had the opportunity to plant these trees for people in the future. Oh, and one more thing: Sonny never boasted about all of this. Other people told his story (actually, it sort of slipped out), but he never did. That was Sonny’s way. Always smiling, happy, and pleasant, he shared with everyone and made the lives of those around him much better. He was blessed and wanted others to be blessed. That meant giving time, energy, effort, and attention without asking for praise. It meant planting trees when almost no one knew and knowing he would never enjoy the fruits.

Not long ago, Sonny lost a battle with cancer. His powerful faith and witness never diminished. It’s not the same without him. In the field, I see Sonny’s trees, and I want to plant a tree.

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