THE OPEN ROAD

It's always interesting to read more about the value of trees and another gift from trees appears in the Spring 2009 issue of the "Open Road", Page 16 (Email: openroad@edgarcaycecanada.com).

The article asserts "Numbers of families with asthmatic problems can greet this year's arrival of spring tree foliage with an extra measure of deep and heart-felt joy. In the year just past, researchers announced that asthmatic children living in areas with tree growth nearby, showed a 25 percent reduction in the laboured breathing, coughing, wheezing and rasping the affliction brings." It may be good to check with a specialist to be sure if it matters which kind of tree it is the best to plant for help with this kind of health problem.

The article also points out that when living in areas of overflowing rivers and slopes, it might be helpful to plant trees in the area because tree roots suck up rampaging moisture along with pollution and as an added bonus gives forth oxygen. He adds that the tree bearing the maple leaf has served as our Canadian symbol as early as the l700s.

The article's writer, Jack Wilcox, tells the story of his father Rev. Noel Wilcox , who in 1928 introduced his book of poetry "Piper of Dreams", including his poem Reverie. His daughters paid tribute to his work which can be visited at their website (www.feeljoy.ca).

The same issue has an article on Page seven, called "Grace", by Harvey Green. One of the comments on his website has a good saying to recall: "The process of growth is everything - the outcome is awareness or cumulative experience." website: www.spiritjournalhawaii.com.

No wonder we always wish for a grove of trees or even just one tree to enjoy while having a family picnic.