“Will it hurt, Father Tree?”, asked the fickle young leaf?

“Nature’s first hue is never you!”, exclaimed the wise oak.

“How do I know I’m real?”, the young leaf
inquisitively remarked.

Spring breezes sang harmoniously as the mature hard wood explained.

“Real is a transformation. It is a gift of authentication. It’s what happens to you; it’s how you allow life’s pain to work through you. Pain is your one true friend. It is a beautiful blend of all that touches you. It prepares the ordinary for an extraordinary journey.”

The tender leaf listened intently; remaining still as wisdom was shared.

“It’s comprised of a whimsical welding of all your friendships, all your relationships where you learn the hard...