Persimmon Tree

Here’s another story about a tree. Recently someone I know in the neighborhood, Donald, sold the house that he grew up in. This was a house in the family for almost 5 decades. The first time I met him while I was taking a walk, he took me to his back yard. When I saw the persimmon tree with so many fruits hanging from its branches, I exclaimed, “Wow, the persimmons” as it reminded me of the one I had in my childhood home. He texted me last week and told me to come by because he saved some persimmons for me from the tree in his backyard.

I have such a fond memory of harvesting tons of persimmons every autumn. My brother would climb to the higher branches to grab those bright orange Fuyu gaki (Fuyu persimmons). The tree was a family member for us, and it really saddened me when we had to move as we knew the house was going to be torn down and so would the tree.

When I stopped by at Donald a couple of days later, he came out with a box full of beautiful and large persimmons. I asked him if he knew whether the new owner would keep the tree in the backyard. Sadly, he said he didn’t think so. An attachment arose in me. I didn’t want this tree to be taken down. I decided to at least see if I could do something to save it. My Dharma mentor, Diana, said she would take the tree in her yard. Then I made some calls. One of the Japanese nurseries in the area referred me to a landscaper, Rafael, who might be able to help. Rafael was kind enough to go take a look at the tree, but called me to tell me the tree is way too mature to risk a transport. Besides, it would cost up to $5,000!

If anyone knows how to get the seedling or clipping to plant so it will continue its lineage, let me know. Otherwise, I would have to let it go and accept impermanence.