Cheney Free Press -

I live in a remnant of a Ponderosa pine forest in Spokane County. Some of my grandchildren refer to my place as ‘Grandma Margy’s Mountain.’ My wanderings often take me to places within this unique spot on the globe that exude sacredness.

I’ll never forget the day I learned trees cry.

The morning was not unusually cold for April. There were still a few patches of snow lingering in shady places but evidence that spring was about to erupt was nearly everywhere in the forest. Even so, I donned my jacket, hat and gloves and ventured out the door.

I had not actually planned to ascend the...