What is Festival of Trees? I'm glad you asked.
Short version: An event put on by amazing women to help raise money for Primary Children's Hospital. Over 700 trees are decorated, donated, and sold. It doesn't just stop at trees. There is a gift boutique featuring handmade articles, food-scones, candies, sweet rolls, etc., live entertainment, gingerbread houses, centerpieces, activities for children, and even a santa! EVERY single penny raised goes to the hospital. That's what makes it so amazing. Go here for more information: Festival of Trees.
I don't remember how I got started. All I know, is that I look forward to the two days of the year I can spend at this place. It's the best way to kick off the holiday season.
Most of the trees donated have a story. Friends/family members decorate a tree in memory of, in honor of, in behalf of someone who has either passed away, is in current medical treatment, in remission, or just because.
I usually volunteer in the Large Trees section. Some of those trees are spectacular. The detail orientation is a sight to behold.
I volunteered yesterday and will do so again tomorrow. They always ask the volunteers to read the stories on the back so we can share them with the visitors. I read a few stories. Several that made me cry.
The first story was about a young man who passed away at the age of 22. The tree had a Nemo theme. "Just Keep Swimming" This young man was a swimmer. He competed in high school and earned many medals. He left on a two year Spanish speaking mission to New York. He was out 16 months when he started to get sick. After several doctor visits and tests, not getting any better he came home at the 20 month mark. He was soon diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. They started chemotherapy and it didn't seem to work. The next option was a bone marrow transplant. They tested his family and the only match was his 10 year old brother. The transplant seemed a success for a few days but unfortunately did not last. Three weeks later this young man passed away.
The next tree had a Frozen theme. Jessica was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia shortly after she was born. Her older sister learned to take care of her at an early age. In fact, she says that by age 6 she could train all of the new nurses who came to take care of her younger sister. The doctors said Jessica wouldn't live past the age of 6. Jessica fought a brave battle but ultimately, cancer won the only round it can-the one here on earth. She lived to a few days shy of her 7th birthday. When Jessica's older sister saw the movie Frozen for the first time, she thought of her sister. She knew the relationship Anna and Elsa shared was one she would have shared with Jessica.
There was a Willy Wonka themed tree in honor of a mother who passed away earlier this year.
Another tree themed with horses in a stable was for a 10 year old girl.
And another for a little girl named Braelyn who was also diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, this little girl is in remission. She will be in remission treatment until 2016 and she has a high chance of staying in remission.
A tree decorated in behalf of a young Syrian refugee who was shot and paralyzed as she was fleeing her native country.
A beautiful white tree for a teacher who inspired students to read.
An artist who shared her talent at a young age with everyone and taught her nieces and nephews to love art.
So many trees. So many stories. One opportunity to take time out of my life and ponder on the meaning of Christmas. Alma so eloquently puts it,
"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul;
yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body;
yea, even a hair of their head shall not be lost; but all things
shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame." Alma 40:23
What a wonderful promise given to us by a loving Heavenly Father and Savior.
All possible because a boy, a perfect baby boy, was born in a lowly manger. The greatest gift given to us. Jesus is the Christ. He is the Savior of the World. He is Christmas.
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