KARLBERG MEMORIAL APPLE TREE

           

Fifty-seven years ago, when we purchased our home, there was a newly planted apple tree in the back yard. Over the years it grew and gave us wonderful apples which I made into pies and applesauce and we ate out of hand. 

        After twelve years our first family member, Fang the Wonder Dog, passed away and was buried beneath this apple tree. Over time, we continued to “plant” our canine, feline and hamster family members there when they passed. 

        It was my husband’s dying wish (actually discussed and decided when we did our wills) to be cremated and have his ashes placed with these beloved pets. He’s been there for almost seven years now and there is a plaque that lists all the inhabitants of the ground beneath the tree.  I have to admit that at times it's comforting to look out there at the tree or to stand/sit beneath it and have a conversation. Of course, it's terribly one-sided, but somehow makes me feel closer to him as well as a bit better de4pending on what's happening in my lonely life. 

        This apple tree hasn’t given a lot of apples for some time; but since it’s become the Karlberg Memorial Apple Tree, it doesn’t need to fear being replaced by a younger tree. My own dying wish will be to assume my place beneath this elderly apple tree with John and all the pets we loved during our years together.