We’ve had our house for more than 25 years.  There is a huge maple tree beside the house. It’s not in very good shape. We’ve feared it would come crashing down on the house. For most of the 25 years we’ve been here, there’ve been plans to have that tree – and others – cut down.

But every time we got the money together to get it done, something would come up. Something that required money. Usually something having to do with school. One of the kids would need books, or extra fees and tuition. Or one of their cars would need work or new tires. It was always something.

And the big maple tree kept standing.

The tree cutting crew is in our yard this morning. We are having 5 trees removed.

It’s sad to see them go – they’ve been like part of the family for more than 2 decades.

But it’s saddest to see them go because the only reason there is money to have this done is because Richard died.

There are no tuition payments. No rent for his apartment. I know he won’t be coming along next month with a list of books he needs for class. If a car breaks down we have several spares.

It’s nice having a little extra money.

I’d rather have my kid back.