The Tale of the Three Trees

This is not the Appalachian folktale.

This is my tale about three trees.

In the early 1980s, I lived in the Philippines, where I learned how Christmas trees were shipped to the Pacific for U.S. military members stationed overseas. These trees, cut months earlier and transported thousands of miles, were both expensive and often lackluster. Before transferring from Virginia to Hawaii, I decided to avoid the hassle and expense by purchasing a fake tree from a newspaper ad for $35 (equivalent to $100 today). I reassured Gary that it was a practical choice and a wise investment. However, I hated that tree and used it only once during Christmas 1996.

By the following Christmas, life had taken a dramatic turn. In the months between 1996 and 1997, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We had also moved from our rental home in Mililani to historic Navy housing in Pearl Harbor. With the grandeur of our new home’s tall ceilings, I was ready to embrace the joy of having a real Christmas tree again.

I gave the fake tree (tree #1) away to a young, newlywed couple in our wardroom. Rumor had it that the Coast Guard station was the best place to find a good Christmas tree in Hawaii. Gary set out with my cousin Charlie, stationed with the Army on the island, to secure our tree. The two of them braved the crowds, faced the remains of an almost empty Christmas tree shipping containerand returned with what was the best on offer from the Coast Guard station.

My heart sank when Gary brought the tree (tree #2) home. It was far smaller than I had envisioned. Seeing my disappointment, I was four months into my chemotherapy treatments and feeling particularly fragile. For all these reasons and more, a big Christmas tree felt so important that year. Gary, ever patient, returned to the Coast Guard station and came back with a second tree (#tree 3). This one met my expectations. We passed the first tree along to friends who couldn’t afford the steep prices of real trees in Hawaii.

Since that Christmas, Gary has taken on the tree-finding assignment every year. I’ve never had to feel disappointed or request a return again.

Over the years, Gary has perfected the art of choosing our Christmas tree, ensuring that each holiday season begins with a tree that brings joy and warmth to every one of us. All it took was three trees, lots of love,and 37 years together.