In one of the Nairobi homes stands a very tall palm tree. It stands high that standing below it you can see it touching the skies.
This palm tree holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my gardening days in the city of Nairobi. I planted this beautiful tree about fifteen to eighteen years ago. It was a little plant of about three feet tall.
This plant was given to me as a gift from one family that was moving but lacked space to carry it along. It was then a potted three feet high plant on their balcony.
Because I did not have a proper place of my own, I decided to give it to another family whose plants I regularly serviced. I knew they would like it. And they did.
This plant does well in pots and grounds, I told them. They chose a place near their gate entry. So I removed the plastic pot and planted the tree there. They were so excited I recall.
Many years later, about eighteen years, I thought of passing by this home to see if that client still lived here. On arrival I was told they had moved five years earlier. The present occupiers had bought the house.
Before leaving I noticed that the palm tree was still there - only that this time it had grown bigger and elegant. Standing straight and tall. Probably the reason why I hadn't seen it earlier. I walked to it. I touched it. I looked up my eyes following it up the skies my heart refecting;
Hi. How tall and beautiful you have become. I planted you as a little seedling. Now you have grown and touched the skies. How happy I am for you and the memories that you bring
