Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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On Hearts

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I found this heart-shaped stone on our walk the other day. It’s small and pretty nearly perfect. I put it in my coat pocket and promptly forgot about it until this morning. It needed rescuing from the dark depths of my pocket – it needed to see the light of day.

Heart shapes evoke strong feelings. Yes, there is the “I love…” symbolism, Valentine’s Day and all that. But within that heart are joy, sorrow, despair, hope, pain, loss, heartbreak, and compassion. So many things contained in one symbol. I never used to be a fan of heart-shaped anything. There was too much of it everywhere. It had become trite. Every bumper sticker I saw had “I {heart-shape} something or other.” Too much. Too little meaning.

But Scout has a heart-shape on her side. Is that a message of some sort? I like to think so.

When I think of heart-shapes these days, I think of so much more than the romantic symbolism. I think of all the emotions we experience every day. I think of those in pain, suffering at this very moment. Of those who are lost and frightened. Those who have lost a loved one. Those whose compassion for their fellow man is astonishing. Those who fight for the rights of our animal friends. I think of everyday people who do heroic things. I think of those who are struggling to hang on to their houses or jobs, whose hearts are breaking. I think of those who have no home and are trying to rebuild their lives.

I think of my dad who told me last night that he thinks his body is shutting down – who feels heartbreak every day. Or my mom whose heart is still beating, even though she is desperately tired and unhappy and has given up.

I think of all of us who are striving to be good people every day. Those whose simple acts of kindness can turn a so-so day into a beautiful one. And of those who are pursuing a dream, hoping that it will come true.

I think of my beloved willow tree. Trees have energy and feelings, of that I have no doubt. If I could carve a heart into the willow, I would do that. But today I will have to say goodbye. It comes down tomorrow.

Heart-shapes have come to mean something entirely different for me than the traditional boy meets girl stuff. Now, when I sew one of my little hearts or find a heart-shaped stone, or discover this heart etched in the gravel just beyond our porch the morning after the destruction of Hurricane Irene —

I take heart.

I hope you take heart, as well, my friends.

Comments

  2. (((((((HUGS)))))
    What a beautiful post about the meaning of hearts.
    When I was growing up I lived next door to my grandparents. We had about two acres. In the very back of our property there was one big tree. I would walk back to that tree so often. It was such a peaceful place. It reminded me of the “Giving Tree”. I have driven by to see if that tree is still there. It still is but now others have grown near it.
    I think you beed to take something from your beloved tree and have something made out of it. Have no idea what. Maybe even take a picture and frame it.
    So sorry about your parents. It is so hard to see your parents get to this place. Prayers for you and your loved ones. (including that tree)

  6. Very beautifully written Claudia, you always make us think.

    I agree with the comment that suggests keeping something to remind you of the happiness that tree brought you. It doesn’t have to be tangible either….just a memory, or what ever means something to you.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

  8. Perhaps you can craft a heart from the willow tree wood or a heart-shaped wreath from twigs ~ as a keepsake. Just a thought. xo

  9. I am so sorry about your tree. I must have missed a post or comment about it. You will miss its branches, but may sunlight and warmth now shine on your cottage and all who abide inside.
    I am one of the fortunate who has received a handmade heart from you. It sits near my sewing machine, and has comforted me many times lately while my own heart has been heavy and worried. It also reminds me of a friend with an extra kind heart.

  10. Lovely. I collect heart shaped rocks too!!! Prayers for you folks. SO hard. How wonderful to find that heart shape on the ground after the hurricane. Gave me chills.
    Hugs,
    Kris

  12. You have truly given such meaning to the heart shape we all know. I adore everything heart. Sad to see your Willow go however everything has a time we don’t know. Hugs…

  16. Beautiful post! Yes, there is so much more to love than just the romance, SO much more.
    When my mom died, my dad lost his will to live, too. Although he smiled, even laughed sometimes, and went about his daily activities, I don’t think he was every really happy again. The immense love he shared with my mom for 60+ years just consumed him. After seeing how their love endured, I think they should remove the line in wedding vows that say “until death do you part” or “so long as you both shall live”. I know for a fact love endures, it is stronger than death. I saw it in my dad.

  18. Dear Claudia, heart is surely not only equal with happy- but also everything you descripes, and much more,-also why we can be alive on this earth.
    I like to take heart,too –
    I hope for compassion, and care, that means heart to me.
    Hugs,Dorthe

  19. Claudia, this is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. Astonishingly beautiful and from the heart. I wish I could hug you. I tried to call a couple of times yesterday. You must have been outside.
    xoxo, Brenda

  20. Well, this newest heart most certainly was meant for you from your lovely willow tree. Such a lovely post, Claudia. How spectacular the one was after Irene. Nature always leaves us messages if we take the time to see them and understand. Ann

  21. VERY NICE POST CLAUDIA……SORRY ABOUT YOUR TREE……BUT IT IS A GOOD IDEA WHAT SUZY SAID….KEEPING SOME BRANCHES TO MAKE A WREATH, OR SOMETHING TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR SPECIAL TREE….RIZZI

  23. Hi Claudia, your posts always make me stop and think, I love that! Willow trees are so graceful, and othe ones around our pond have slowly disappeared due to wind and water. We have one left – I love watching her long strands wave in the breeze,and see the Baltimore orioles weave their nests inside her long tendrils. It’s so funny to see the whole branch shake as mama bird brings dinner to her new babies. Will you be planting another? Willows and hearts, grace and love. Two things that I strive to give each and every day. Hope all is well! Ciao, Bella xxoo

  24. I’m so sorry about your beautiful willow, Claudia! Have you thought of planting another sort of tree come spring?

    I’m also very sorry about what’s going on with your father. It must be very difficult at his age to be at the rest home every day. I think he must be suffering from exhaustion, poor man!

    I agree with the ladies who suggested you take something from the tree as a keepsake.

    I think you should seriously think of planting another one in its place. At least it would replace the emptiness that will be there when they cut it down. It’s something to think about.

  28. I love heart shaped rocks! They are so special when you find one. I am sorry about your willow and I how you feel about it. I like what Debby said about making something out of part of it. I know you will be able to create something.~Hugs, Patti

  29. Last February (2011) I found a heart shaped oil spot on the street. I took a photo of it and blogged about it. A few days later I found another one on a parking lot. The photo I took of that one accidentally was deleted. Yes, I take heart too when I see these things. xo rachel

  30. Beautiful post, Claudia. When I lived near the ocean I used to find heart shaped rocks. I always believed they represented the kinship I felt with the sea. I am so sorry about your parents. I know your father is grieving for the in life loss of your mother and this must be so painful for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers my friend.
    xo
    Laura

  31. I love to find the unexpected hearts! We took out a mesquite tree a few years ago, because it was diseased and had horrible thorns. When we cross cut the mid section of the trunk, it was a perfect heart. I kept two of the slices and use them to display other found objects on my back porch!
    I’m sending you a (heart felt) hug regarding the loss of your tree. Losing a big old tree is like losing a friend!
    J

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