The Willow and the Elm

Jessica raced from the car to the front door, and rang the bell. When Carl Bradley appeared at the door, he greeted his granddaughter with a wide smile.

Well, hello, honey.

Hi, Grandpa! sparkled eight year old Jessica.

How's my favorite granddaughter?

Grandpa, you always say that. I'm your only granddaughter.

Carl's daughter Kate chuckled at their exchange. Thanks again for offering to watch Jessica.

Oh, no problem, Kate. We always have such a great time together, he said, as he looked at Jessica and asked, Would you like to go to the park today?

Jessica nodded heartily.

Give mommy a kiss, honey, said Kate, as she leaned down. Jessica kissed her mom goodbye and gave her a big hug. You have a good time, and be a good girl for grandpa.

Jessica nodded. I will.

Carl and Jessica waved goodbye and after Kate drove away Carl turned to his granddaughter and said, Want to ride on the swings?

Jessica nodded eagerly.

Earlier that morning, a gentle April rain had fallen and the smell of spring freshness filled the air as Jessica and her grandfather headed toward the park, as bright sunshine now glimmered across a powder blue sky. It was one of those first days of spring in Chicago that brings everyone out after a long winter's confinement.

When they arrived at the park, Jessica raced toward the swings and soon realized that her grandfather had stopped a good distance behind her. He was standing in front of a Willow tree and she ran back to him.

Come on grandpa. Swing me on the swings.

But her grandfather didn't hear her, as he stared at the tree, and as Jessica gazed upward, she asked, What are you looking at, grandpa?

Hmmm? he responded without turning his gaze from the tree.

What are you looking at, grandpa?

Oh, the Weeping Willow, he said in a far away voice. I'm sorry, sweetheart. You wanted to go swinging.

Carl Bradley started to walk in the direction of the swings but Jessica didn't move, and asked, Grandpa, why do they call it a Weeping Willow?

Well, that's a rather long story, Jessica.

Oh, please, grandpa, please tell me the story! pleaded Jessica.

Aware of how much Jessica loved his stories he relented. All right, but let's go sit on the bench. We'll have a good

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