Fog on the western slope of Colorado is a rarity and always feels like a gift when it occurs. The ordinary landscape becomes extraordinary. The isolation of a tree becomes a stunning beauty in the frost of the morning. This tree has comforted me in times in my life when I was overwhelmed. The base of this tree provided me a comforting refuge, a place to regain inner peace. The canopy of the tree provided a cool spot in the summer when the heat of late August was oppressive. This beautiful tree was a cherished landmark on everyday journeys, an old friend whose mere presence brightened the day.

This tree used to live in a vast empty field, like a sentinel on the horizon. That land eventually sold and a new family built a big new house. Initially, the tree remained untouched, a beacon of familiarity in a changing landscape and I found a bit of peace knowing my friend had been spared. And then early in 2023 they cut this great tree down. I rounded the corner and my heart broke. I had to stop the car and take in the scene, the devastation of a giant’s life. This photograph now holds profound significance, immortalizing an old friend lost forever. It underscores the power of photography to preserve fleeting moments, transforming them into timeless treasures that transcend the boundaries of time and memory.