Twenty years ago, I bought a book for my children--The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke.
It is a Christian story about three trees who dream of becoming great things--a treasure chest, mighty ocean-going ship, the tallest tree in the world. As you might guess, the first becomes the manger of Bethlehem, the second a simple fishing boat that witnesses the miracle of stormy seas calmed with a word, the third a crucifix.
I hadn't thought of this story for years, until I looked again at an heirloom I recently had framed as a Christmas decoration.
The crocheted piece came in a jumble of doilies and bureau scarves from my father. My mother and paternal grandmother were both known for crocheting such delicate creations; I'm leaning toward the latter for credit, though I can't be sure.
Whomever it was...was the piece meant to represent the folk tale? We may never know. But now that my head and heart have made the connection, I'll be sure to pass along the art and the book together, for the next generation to ponder.
Chris, I know and love the story of The Three Trees! When going through books my boys had when they were little, I found a board book version. I gave it to my granddaughter. Finding that framed crocheted piece seems a fascinating bit of serendipity to me ... a family heirloom of faith and perseverance from a generation that endured so much. Almost like a whispered “Courage, dear heart”... beautiful work, all in all.
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