November 16, 2005

WORKPLACE WISDOM NEWSLETTER

What is "The Giving Tree"?

It's a fanciful little story about a tree that loved a little boy.

November 16, 2005

It goes like this...

When the boy was young, he swung from the tree's branches, climbed all over her,

ate her apples, slept in her shade. Such happy and carefree days. The tree loved

these days as much as the boy.

But as the boy grew, he spent less and less time with the tree. "Come on, let's play,"

invited the tree. But the young man was interested only in money. "Take my apples

and sell them and then you'll be happy," said the tree. The boy did, and the tree was

happy.

The boy didn't return for a long time, but one day he passed by and the tree smiled.

"Come on, let's play!" yelled the tree. But the boy was now a man and tired of his

world. He wanted to get away from it all. "Cut me down. Take my trunk and make

yourself a boat. Then you can sail on the water and be happy," said the tree. The

man cut the tree's trunk down and made a boat, and the tree was happy.

Many years passed - and the tree waited. Finally, the old man returned...too old and

tired to play, to pursue riches, or to sail the seas. "I have a pretty good stump left,

my old friend. Why don't you just sit down here and rest on me and be happy?"

asked the tree. The old friend did, and the tree was happy.

It's Thanksgiving Season.

It's time to reflect on those things for which we are grateful.

I am grateful for the many "Giving Trees" in my own life.

Many have released parts of themselves so I might grow, accomplish my

goals, and find "the good life".

Can I count them all? I know I can not.

There have been so, so many who have given to me.

* Parents...selfless, supportive, and abiding

* Grandparents...wise and kind

* Husband or wife.....Siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins

* Teachers, friends, and neighbors

* Managers and colleagues

* Brave soldiers, selfless law officers and firefighters

* Inspiring authors and protectors of my liberties

* Older ladies and older men who've taken time to pass their rich history on to me

November 16, 2005

Most of us can trace our well-being today to individuals who have helped us

accomplish our dreams.

I encourage you to wrap yourself up in a thankful heart - reflecting on all

those who've given to you.

So, as I prepare to share this season with family and friends, I will

especially be counting those who make up...

"MY GIVING TREE".

Thank you for "giving"...and for enriching my life.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

...oh yes, and don't forget that YOU can be someone else's GIVING TREE.