A family is like a tree.  It has roots which is it's history and it has a truck which is the family ties allowing the flow to go from the roots to the branches.  A tree like a family has a protective bark, which in a family is the love to protect, guide and continue to ensure the growth.  The tree as the family also has branches of new growth.  Sometimes in many trees, a branch is not able to accept the nutrition or love to grow strong enough to withstand any disaster that may try to overcome and destroy the branch.  Once in a while the weaker branch will have to carry the heavy burden of snow such as problems and tremendous stress.  If the branch is not strong enough it will break off and pass away.  The rest of the tree knows it has lost a branch, but it must stay together and nurture with love the remaining tree in order for it to grow, prosper and to continue to send out new branches, more truck and more roots.  A broken branch can not be revived.

 
My parents are like trees their strength guides me throughout the windy times and protect me from the rain. Their arms support me through life just like the branches support the fragile bird nests and their love is the food of wisdom just like the leaves and flowers supple food for the birds. The rings of a tree trunk symbolizes their lifetime experiences, which they share with their children and the knots symbolize the rough times which we overcome with the support of each other. The bark represents the protection my parents provide us and the sap represents the love running through their veins. The height of our family tree comes from a nurturing and sound environment and like most trees the most important thing is to stay off the endangered list by helping your seedlings grow.