Several years ago, I discovered That Tree, and I followed its journey through Mark Hirsch’s beautiful book and photography. Which is why I was devastated to learn that That Tree was felled by the massive storm that swept across the midwest recently.

I’d seen it for myself once before, and now my husband and I made the four-hour round trip to see That Tree after the storm. What I saw had a profound effect on me, and became the prefect metaphor for the difficult times we’re facing now.

How beloved is That Tree? How many trees do you know that get their own obituary?

Featured image photo credit: Mark Hirsch