The Peach Tree
by: Angel Friend Jackie Cheek

Saturday Ramblins, Vol. 1, No. 13 (August 8, 1998)

I am writing this story on July 29, 1998. The date is significant because it has been seven years, to the day, since my 21-year-old son, Derek, died.

The last time I spoke with Derek was on July 6, 1991. He came to the house and we were looking at the peach tree in the backyard. He informed me that it needed a trim desperately. The branches were hanging on the ground, it was heavy with fruit. I assured him I would go right out and do his bidding. He laughed and told me that he would trim the tree at the proper time, after the harvest. He worked in landscaping and knew of how to do the job properly. I would have stumbled along. "It's a deal!" I said, and he and his friend left.

The accident was two days later and he lay in a coma for three weeks. When he died, I cannot even begin to relay to you the agony my family and I suffered, but my husband, my son, Jason, and I went on with our lives.

A week or two later after I'd asked a neighbor harvest and keep the fruit for herself, I was looking at the tree. Remembering my conversation with Derek, I got out the clippers and cut the living daylights out of that tree. I had so much anger that I knew I destroyed it. I cried and agonized over the fact that he would never be here to fulfill his end of the bargain. Needless to say, the tree really looked bad the following spring. It withered and died. My husband was ready to cut it down — then I noticed one branch was alive — I begged him to let it alone for a while to see what would happen.

From that one branch, a whole new tree grew! It is a lopsided mess, but it is strong and healthy! Each year since his death, I check the tree at this time of the year, and each year there has been a single peach. I know it is Derek's way of saying that he is with me still and he remembers his promise. I get great comfort from that one peach on the tree.

This year I faced major surgery and was quite nervous. I roamed to the tree before the surgery date in May and the tree was once again loaded with peaches! This time, my tears were of joy. After seven years, the tree had come full circle and, in my mind, I knew Derek was telling me everything would be all right. I felt at ease as I never have before. The surgery was a success and today I tasted my first peach from the tree and it was sweet and wonderful. I expected nothing less from my son!

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