This was a special gift from a friend, which brought me back 30 years to the memory of my grandpa. We share the same initials, JH. One day I remember that a friend of my grandpa's was exploring through his pasture along the Tolna Coulee by his farm, searching for diamond willow. Later the friend returned with a finished diamond willow cane as a gift. The diamond willow is a unique wood, lightweight and strong, and perfect for making walking sticks and canes. The diamond willow is found in the colder climates of the northern US, Canada and Alaska. The branches of the willow form an indention of the bark, and when cut and finished for canes, forms the characteristic 'diamond' shape.
I'm looking forward to another winter camping and hiking trip to the George Washington National Park, along the Appalatian Trail in late January or early February. I'll be bringing my new diamond willow hiking stick, and I'm sure that in a quiet moment along the trail, the stick will remind me of my grandpa, and the family who've gone on before me. I've had moments like this before, and I'm proud to say that I've shed a few tears, remembering those good times, now past. It helps me to keep on, knowing that God will give through me to the memory of those who come after me.
1 comment:
Interesting to know.
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