The Pear Tree, a story of hope
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The Castillo Family
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The Castillo Family
I want to share a story with you.
When I was little, my parents received a flyer in the mail for an Arbor Day fundraiser. The offer was simple: send in a small donation and receive tree saplings as a thank you. I was captivated by the glossy flyer filled with pictures of big, beautiful trees. After some convincing, my mom—always eager for a learning opportunity—agreed to send in a donation, and just like that, we had a new “project.”
When the saplings arrived, I was so disappointed. They barely passed as twigs. But I was determined. We planted several trees: a hawthorn, two crabapples, and an ornamental pear. We lovingly set them in our little “nursery,” and then we waited. And waited. And waited some more.
One tree died pretty quickly, but the other two began to grow—slowly but surely. Eventually, they were ready to be moved from the nursery into the yard. One thrived. The pear tree, struggled. It remained scrawny and bare, growing only a few leaves each year—leaves that the deer would inevitably eat. By fall, it was always bare again. My parents talked about pulling it up more than once, but I kept saying no. I started praying that God would help the tree survive and flourish. I’d play outside, stop by the little tree, and ask God to help it grow.
That was a long time ago.
For the first ten years of its life, we weren’t sure the little pear tree would make it. But slowly, steadily, it grew stronger. In the past few years, it’s even produced beautiful spring blossoms—though still sparse.
This April—specifically the week I was diagnosed—it bloomed more fully than it ever had. And this time, the blossoms held on longer than usual.
I don’t know about you, but I see this as a tender reminder of God’s faithfulness. We don’t always understand His timing. We question why certain trials come, or if He notices when we struggle to thrive. But I believe His plan is still ALWAYS for our good.
When I look at this picture of my little pear tree, my heart swells with hope.
Comments
Alex Castillo
Joshua 1:9
We know that no matter what, we are not fighting alone. God is with us ready to give us strength, courage and healing that only He can provide.
Ann Hemken
Stef Rhoades
Mary Weber
Jeanette Coletta
Blair Chiodo
Praying for you and your beautiful family Elly ❤️
Lorna Fishman
Blessings and Love,
Lorna