by Lori Harasta
It has been said trees are the earth’s effort to speak to heaven.
Livingston Hospice is a participating sponsor of the Los Padres National Forest’s Penny Pines Reforestation Program. This conservation program began in the early 1960s and has been meeting the ongoing need of restoring fire-and-pest devastated areas of the magnificent national forest that stretches through Ventura County. Each year, Livingston purchases two acres of seedlings which will eventually produce approximately 400 trees.
These will not be just ordinary trees, for each seedling has been planted in memory of a beloved hospice patient. The bereaved family receives a card from Livingston Hospice with local artist Susan Florence’s beautiful forest artwork along with the inscription, “A tree has been planted in the Los Padres National Forest in memory of …”
The Penny Pines Reforestation Program plays a vital role in renewing the national forests in California. For Livingston, it provides the opportunity to comfort families by letting them know they are thought of and will never be forgotten. Livingston is honored to help preserve the memory of their loved ones.
A recently bereaved family sent in this note, “Thank you for the tree planted in Mom’s memory in the Los Padres National Forest. She loved the outdoors and trees!”
A tree planted in someone’s memory is a living tribute that benefits present and future generations, and is perhaps the most fitting memorial gift of all. It is enduring and symbolic; it will grow stronger and blossom with life, year after year.
“Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.” ~Einstein
