I stood in the shade of the "survivor tree."

A 30 foot callery pear tree in full bloom.

It was the first time I had been back since the completion of the 9/11 memorial in NYC.

Like many, I was drawn to this living breathing symbol of resilience. This was the tree that had survived the attacks.

The 'survivor tree' was, in fact, an 8 foot stump that had been pulled from the wreckage. Despite the odds, this stump was nurtured and supported by loving hands as it did what it did best; seek continued life.

And isn't this true of all of us at one time or another?

In our darkest days...if we look for it

and trust

if we seek support and guidance 

when needed

we shall inevitably

endure and

strengthen and

thrive once again.

We become the symbol of our own ability to move beyond

with resilience and renewal.