As part of my recent visit to Ontario, my sister Lynn and I had our first opportunity to visit the London Plane Tree we had planted at the Royal Botanical Garden's Arboretum in Burlington in honor of our much loved Mom.

I'm pleased that I was able to go to see it and especially pleased that Lynn was there with me. She and I have gone through a lot together over the years and I'm glad to have been able to share this moment with her.

The tree is already quite large and, judging from the fully grown plane trees in the area, it will be massive by the time it's an adult. What is more impressive is the location: beautiful. It's near the forest that lines the water, between the Lilac Dell and the shrubbery walk. It has an open space to itself and a small bench nearby. When you stand looking at the tree, you can also catch glimpses of the water in the distance.

I'm happy to have a place that I can go (or at least think of) when I want to feel close to my Mom. I don't know how often I'll get back there but it's good to know that the tree will grow and people, birds and other wildlife will get the chance to enjoy it for years.

The only negative was the fact that we got a $35 parking ticket while we were visiting. We had passes for the Arboretum but the ticket office was closed so we just drove in. Oh well, we'll look at the fine as another contribution to the good work of the RBG.

On our way out, as we headed into the city across the high level bridge, one of the bald eagles that have taken up residence in the Arboretum soared over our car, giving us a lovely view as he passed. Again, I'm not the most spiritual person but it's hard not to notice the pattern: every time Lynn or I has an intense Mom moment an eagle or a heron (two of Mom's favourites) makes an appearance.

Tags: Janny Walma, Plane Tree, Royal Botanical Gardens, Arboretum, RBG, Burlington, Bald Eagle

I am grateful to my aunt, uncle and cousin for sending along, via my sister, the photos that accompany this post. As anyone who has read this blog knows, my sister and I spent some time this spring trying to arrange a suitable memorial for our beloved mother in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario. Unfortunately, since I live about 1500 kilometres away, I haven't been able to monitor progress nor, now that the tree and plaque have been installed, to visit the site.

As a result, I was pleased to learn about a month ago that the tree had been acquired and planted; I was even more pleased when I received these photos (and others), my first views of the memorial. I think it looks great. Apparently, the tree is already quite tall (close to 15 feet maybe) and is located close to the access road but in a relatively quiet, secluded place.

I miss my mother very much and still think about her every day (as the plaque says). I am having a hard time believing that it is now about 17 months since I last talked to her, heard her laugh. We watched our wedding video the other day and I was surprised and moved to see her on it, very much alive and vibrant, enjoying the day. I had forgotten she was on there and am grateful to have that video, to have those brief glimpses of her at least.

We spent much of our time together over her last few years wandering the parks and trails in and around the City of Hamilton and, most particularly, the RBG. Mom loved those natural wonders and enjoyed bird watching and people watching as we puttered along. I think our tribute is a wonderfully fitting one and I hope to visit it one day soon. I agree with Patti, though: while the sentiment we chose to place on the plaque is both true and lovely, Patti's own suggestion ("This tree is for the birds, people") would also have been perfectly fitting and so very much my mom.

Tags: Janny Walma, RBG, Plane Tree