The bent tree is a landmark at our annual reunion on my brother’s land. It is in the midst of the common area, is very long, and rises at a 45-degree angle to a height of five feet or so before turning and growing upright. Because of its unusual shape, it makes a great playground structure for young climbers and provides a terrific support for the teens to stand on in nearly every reunion photo over these 40 years.

When I watch this youngest group of kids playing beneath the bent tree, I remember all the others, some now middle age, who played there each summer. I love the sense of continuity it evokes and am full of gratitude for my brother and sister-in-law, who have been so kind and generous to us over the years, welcoming all of us and giving us a place to camp, spread out, and reconnect.