The Tree That Speaks Without Words

There's an enormous old tree beside Indian Rock Trail that always reminds me of my Grandpa. At first, I'll admit, it was the nose. But the longer I've known Grandpa Tree, the more I've realized the resemblance goes much deeper.

There's an enormous old tree standing beside Indian Rock Trail that I pass regularly on my hikes. I call him Grandpa Tree.

I'll admit that it started with the nose.

My Grandpa had a substantial nose. So does this old forest giant. But the more I've thought about Grandpa Tree over the years, the more I've realized that the resemblance goes much deeper.

My maternal Grandpa, Jim Cermak, came to America from what is now the Czech Republic after working in coal mines in Europe. His family entered the United States through Galveston, Texas, worked in mines there and eventually made their way to Minnesota.

My grandparents ended up on a farm in Lake George, Minnesota, where my mother, her brother and two sisters grew up in conditions very different from mine. Mama remembered winter mornings so cold that the warmest place was between the cows in the barn, and walking miles to school through the snow to their one-room schoolhouse.

When we visited Minnesota, Grandpa took me minnowing and fishing. He taught me about snapping turtles, including the important lesson to stay away from them. He showed me how to catch little perch, cut them up for bait and go after the bigger fish. He sat quietly and whittled. And he taught his grandchildren to play poker for peanuts.

Life had not been particularly gentle with Grandpa. At some point, he was injured by a bull and lost much of the use of one arm, so he could no longer manage the cattle. He adapted. He became a hunter, trapper and guide. He learned from the local Indigenous people how to harvest wild rice. He caught and sold minnows and did whatever he could to support his family.

Through all of it, he remained a quiet, patient and kind man, especially with children and animals.

Grandpa spoke very little English, but his heart was big and warm.

Grandpa Tree doesn't speak English either.

But somehow, every time I walk by, he speaks to me. I feel his strength. I feel his warmth. I feel his love.

Hello, Grandpa.