as i mentioned in my previous blog from today, brother bear has started a summer reading program. the first book on his read list was "the giving tree" by shel silverstein.
i love love love love love love "the giving tree". it is my favorite book of all time. ok, so it might be tied with "where the wild things are" but i do get more emotional when i read "the giving tree". it makes me cry every time i read it. it's a wonderful story of the greatest love of all (even greater than whitney's). the tree gives all she has to the boy simply because she loves him. i also admired the trees innovative thinking because she might not have what the boy needs but finds a way to help him.
"the giving tree" is beautiful metaphor for parental love. the tree loves the boy and helps him through all stages of his life. furthermore, the tree expects nothing in return for her help. due to this, one may think the boy is selfish but he is a child and as children, we are so focused on our own needs that we tend to neglect our parents and may not always express gratitude. however, this lack does not mean a lack of love. we just we get caught up in our lives but will always love our parents in return just like the boy returned to the tree.
this interpretation of "the giving tree" is why i get emotional because it reminds me of my grandma. grandma bea is my giving tree. her love is selfless and all she wants is for her kids and grandchildren to be happy. she may not always have the means to aid her family but she will make do with what she has and provide what she can. and in the end, regardless just knowing that she loves you is enough to get you through your low points in life. my grandma has given me so much, just like the tree does for the boy that i will never be able to repay her but i know she knows how much i love her and that is payment enough. also as selfish as it may sound, i know the happiness of her kids and grandkids is enough payment for her as well. and that is why she is so amazing.
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