In Memory of Grandpa Joe: Our Backyard Oak

My grandfather, Joe, was a man of quiet strength. He didn't say much, but when he did, you listened. His absolute favorite place to be was sitting under the massive oak tree at the local park, reading a book or just watching the world go by.

Choosing the Right Tree

When he passed away last month, we knew exactly how we wanted to honor him. We reached out to the Treecause team, and they helped us select a native White Oak (Quercus alba). White Oaks are known for their incredible longevity, deep roots, and the massive ecosystems of birds and insects they support.

"A legacy isn't what you leave for people, it's what you leave in them. And sometimes, what you plant for them."

The Planting Day

Our whole family gathered in the backyard this morning. We took turns digging the hole—even the youngest grandkids grabbed a trowel to help out. Before we placed the tree in the ground, we each tossed a small handful of soil from his childhood home into the base of the hole.

We watered it in, staked it up against the wind, and placed a small brass marker at the base. It feels good to look out the kitchen window and see it standing there. We know it will take years to reach its full height, but we have all the time in the world to watch it grow.