The Survivor Tree
Written for Shoot the Breeze Magazine: Volume 00 - July 2024
Sitting under this great American elm tree, you can feel the immense weight of its trunk, as it splits skyward. A much-needed shade circles the tree on a hot summer day. The sun beating overhead barely felt through the nest of leaves above. There’s an overwhelming weight to this tree, the weight of it’s survival. Nearly 30 years ago, an explosive aimed at the people in nearby buildings almost ended the life of this natural reprieve. This tree exemplifies the idea of prevailing. The roots cemented deep into the earth, holding on day by day as the weight of the world pushes down. Each branch signifies a little growth, another step forward. This tree is the spirit of our survival, every day growing just to feel a bit more of the sunlight. An extensive network underground supplies water and nutrients, so this tree’s only job now is to live and continue to be a beautiful relic in the heart of the city. It’s a peaceful moment enjoying the shade of something that has been through so much.
The base structure of this tree is adorned with a half wall, allowing you to overlook the memorial below. A stone bench on the north side of this circle seems to be always shaded by the green giant growing from the center. This is my favorite place to sit when I visit the memorial, allowing the tree to do what it does best, provide hope. I’ve always had faith in people to do the right thing, to look out for each other and Oklahoma has been an excellent example. An explosion that ripped through the lives of so many people left a wake of destruction, but also planted its own roots of survival.
Looking out from this bench, you’ll notice a quote spanning the southern side of the low wall, “The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.”. Just like the explosive echo of this event, these words reverberate through to Oklahomans today. The spirit of this city is highlighted in every piece of the Survivor Tree. The strong roots, ever burying themselves deeper, only to provide more support. These strong roots represent those in our state who have suffered, who have survived and prevailed, setting examples for all of us. These roots of perseverance give everyone else a stable foundation to grow from. People highlighted throughout this magazine all set clear examples of what it looks like to grow the community. Veterans, artists, CEO’s, public servants, people from Oklahoma, and people from all over the world. Oklahoma has over the years set a foundation for just about anyone to come, and grow, grow themselves to be better people, grow their family, and most importantly, grow their own community. Regardless of your origin, religion, political opinions, have faith in the people around you. Have faith in yourself, your family, and know that the rest of us have faith in you too. We are all here to build a better Oklahoma, one where everyone can feel the same hope and support, I feel sitting under the Survivor Tree.
