As I was walking the other day I passed a row of trees. 
I thought how nice it must be to grow so closely together. It is pretty windy in Saskatchewan and being together in a group would help you withstand that wind, but would you be exposed to enough sun and space to grow to your full potential? Then I walked past this lonely tree.
It is not part of the group, the wind blows through it and it loses branches along the way. Is it stronger? Will it grow bigger in spite of its afflictions?
I wonder if it is the same for people? Will you be a weaker person when you are alone if you have been in a close knit group? Are you stronger if you are a loner? Or are your wounds to deep?
I reflect on this as I walk. Wondering what will happen as my children grow and will leave the nest, will they choose to be part of the group, or will they venture out on their own, making their own path. Which will be better for them? Perhaps there is no answer, there is good and bad with either. But as a mother you always hope they never feel alone.
