Lessons from Pápsh

I’ve been working on a story about pápsh (douglas fir tree), the tall regal tree who covers much of the landscape in the Pacific Northwest, especially on Kalapuya Ilihi, west of the Cascade Mountains. In my story, I refer to pápsh as my uncle-auntie-teacher-tree, and I admire their grace in swaying gently in the breeze, strong roots holding them in place. The trees remind me to be graceful, or at least to try, amidst the changes and challenges of our times. Pápsh reminds me to believe in hope and strength—what a blessing.