The Giving Tree Book Cover
My 3-year-old daughter asked me to read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein to her yesterday. We read it three times. Each time we read it, I got choked up. I’m sure my being tired had something to do with it, but mostly I think what got me was the idea of this tree giving and giving and living to see the boy and make him happy.
If nothing else, this book invites the reader to examine the self, which is always risky business. The upshot is that we can all find instances where we are like the tree and give selflessly. I like to think that what I do at Wildwater is a form of giving. Sure, it is a for-profit business, but I’ve never been in any other job where the endgame is to enjoy. I get to share my love of the New River and the Gauley River and the West Virginia mountains with the people in my boat. That’s pretty sweet.
What are some ways that you are like the tree, giving for the sake of giving?
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April 3, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Rafting Trip California
Wow, I had completely forgotten that book exists. I need to go find my copy right now, I love it.
April 3, 2009 at 8:40 pm
wildwaterwv
I had forgotten about for a long time. I came across it in the heaps of children’s books we have for our daughter. It was nice to get reacquainted.