Have I ever told you about how redwoods are my favorite trees?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I was lucky enough to be around them a lot. There were several planted next to my high school, serving as a kind of natural fence between school grounds and the apartment complex next door. I loved being near them and witnessing these giants thriving.
A few years ago, I learned yet another reason why they’re my favorite.
These giant trees, sometimes large than 25 feet wide, do an amazing job of surviving and thriving in situations other trees wouldn’t. They seldom fall down during bad storms and can even survive having holes cut through them for cars to pass through them. (Please don’t cut these holes, though, k?) With how strong these trees are, it would make sense that they’d have deep roots.
Except they don’t.
The root systems of these trees are usually between 6 and 12 feet deep. How, then, do these majestic paragons of the forest stay so steady?
Their root systems are all interconnected.
Instead of just one tree with deep roots, these trees grow together, their roots supporting nearby trees. If one tree is weaker, the others around it support it and help it to keep growing.
It’s a great parallel for how, when living with illness and disability, we can support each other. We can learn from each other, share tips and tricks, and more.
With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks that may help life be a little easier.
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