Milam County Tree of Angels

Monday night, incoming Milam County District Attorney Brian Price hosted the 26th Annual Milam County Tree of Angels ceremony at the Milam County Historical Museum in Cameron. The tree of Angels Ceremony is a remembrance of those who have lost their lives due to crime, or in service to their country as a member of the military or as a first responder. The Nurse and I were grateful to be a part of the evening.

Pastors Ryan Karl, Bill Harris and Faye Johnson shared prayer and scripture with the attendees, while Courtney Renaud shared her music and Angela White recited the poem, “My Angel in a Tree.” Families, friends and neighbors from around Milam County then shared about their lost loved ones as they hung ornaments on the tree to represent each life lost.

It was a wonderful time of ref lection and fellowship, something we enjoy all too rarely these days. A perfect time to share our pain, express our grief, and exchange stories of our loved ones. Over the years I have had the honor of attending many of these evenings and I am always touched not just by the loss, but by the love and the faith in God these families show. A faith that is lost on far too many people these days. So, while Christmas is a time of celebration, it’s events like the Tree of Angels that refocuses us all on our faith.

One of the hardest parts of the holidays for many people is the loss of a loved one. Not having those loved ones around can really make the holidays tough to get through. I think back on something I once heard someone say and that is that our grief is really unexpended love for those we have lost. That’s why it’s so important to show your friends, family and neighbors the love you have for them. Don’t wait until it’s too late, let them know now, and often.

I remember all the family Christmas celebrations we had over the years and the loved ones I’ve lost over the years. Some of my greatest memories are of sitting in my grandparents living room with our family. One set of grandparents always had one of the grandest trees in the town, while my other grandparents had whatever tree my grandmother chose to cut down on the back part of their property, but they both shared a love that will always warm my heart. I remember all of the extended family and the fellowship we all enjoyed. Those are memories I will always have.

I also remember the years I was in the Navy, when I was away from home for the holidays. Even while sitting in the desert on duty in places thousands of miles aways from home, I could hold onto those memories and remember that feeling of love and joy the holidays can bring to us all. This allowed us to come together as a military family in those times as well.

Many of those folks I used to share holidays with are gone now, including all of my grandparents and some of those friends from the service, but those memories endure, and I am so thankful they do. They also help me to reflect on those I get to share my holidays with like my parents, my kids, and even a new generation of grandkids.

Monday night, while sitting in the Tree of Angels ceremony, many of those memories and feelings fell on me like a ton of bricks. And while I write this on the morning after, I am even more determined to help others to make sure that the generations that come know this same love we saw on display last night.

I want to thank the DA’s office for the Tree of Angels and a chance to reflect on those we’ve lost, and most importantly the preciousness of the time we shared with them.