The Giving Tree

As a little boy, the naivety of life reigned supreme. The very idea that a bigger meaning could be found in Horton Hears A Who or Where The Wild Things Are is absurd in the mind of a 5 year old. The stories didn't carry any abstract meaning. These were the real life explorations of Horton with The Whos, and Max on the Island with the monsters.


Where the Wild Things Are-- a simple matter of scientific fact and discovery.

The newest Dr. Seuss book was treated in the pre-school community with the same reverence the scientific community received the latest Carl Sagan theories (but I'll still take Seuss' conclusions over Sagan's to this very day).

Sesame Street-- I planned on moving there to be closer to my childhood friend, Mr. Snuffaluffagus after graduation from elementary school.

But, by the time I was six they were "just stories" to me-- a thought I believed was very sophisticated for my Kindergarten education.

Something happens over time to many little boys over time-- we forget that these stories that helped shaped our world-view as children end up playing out in real life, but without costumes and two dimensional consequences.

The story of The Giving Tree always struck me as a horribly sad story of what mankind can do to trees solely for their lumber. It made me want to go plant more trees and be very nice to the 3 or 4 stumps that had residence in our yard. It wasn't until after I turned 30 that I realized I had been living with the Giving Tree my whole life-- my dad.

Thomas Arnold Clark, Jr. is a man of few words. He doesn't find them much good except to communicate a direct point. Some may find his no non-sense approach to life abrasive or even cold, but if that's what someone knows about him, they're a person who places a high premium on words and are unable to inventory actions.

Under even extraordinary hardships physically, financially, and emotionally he has continued to be a rock in our family. He has bent over backwards to help take care of his grandchildren and his children. Even with a broken back, he recovered quickly, and continues to give of everything he has to help his family.

He is the Giving Tree. A real live one. A true story of a parent's love for their child. Through my dad, I have seen the face of God.

Patterning my attitude and my actions after him are something to which I aspire.

I just need to be able to show him how grateful I am for him instead of asking him to give one more branch.

I love you, Daddy.