The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
by Linda Le
"'I am sorry,' sighed the tree.
'I wish that I could
give you something. . .
but I have nothing left. I am just
an old stump. I am sorry. . . .'
'I don't need very much now,'
said the boy,
'just a quiet place to sit and rest.
I am very tired.'
'Well,' said the tree,
straightening herself up
as much as she could,
'well, an old stump is good
for sitting and resting.
Come, Boy, sit down.
Sit down and rest.'
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy."
'just a quiet place to sit and rest.
I am very tired.'
'Well,' said the tree,
straightening herself up
as much as she could,
'well, an old stump is good
for sitting and resting.
Come, Boy, sit down.
Sit down and rest.'
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy."
Something I did not understand when I was a kid was why did the tree forgive the boy when he's doing more wrong than good? And why did she still love him when all the boy does is use her? Now that I'm older, I've grown more in love with this book. I've just recently read the book again and I feel like I am the tree in some of my friendships and relationships--too forgiving and kind--but I feel as if friendships are worth it (some friendships more than others). I don't believe in holding grudges like I used to, and I'm a strong believer in unconditional love. Everyone goes through different experiences, making them unique in their own way, so why do we judge and hate? This book has taught me to love unconditionally, and to especially love and forgive the ones closest to us.
Sounds like you have become as wise and benevolent as the tree in the story...I need to take another look at this book--it's been quite a while. Seems like this book was on the shelf at my grandparents' house now that I think about it...
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