I feel the weight of time pressing gently on my shoulders, the lines under my eyes reflecting my life's journey as the rings are shown on the mighty oak trees. The trees are nearly barren now as my ancestors have gone to rest, like fallen leaves the new buds appear to replace the ones that have left. I smile often when I remember them with warm, sweet memories of times that are past and stories still to be told of their strength and will to survive with triumph victories.