It's about a tree in my neighborhood in my hometown, Brahmapur. The tree survived several cyclones that destroyed many parts of the city. However, after the last cyclone, it started losing its life gradually. Something was eating it up from within. It lost all its green and started turning black, lifeless.
There was a hollow at the bottom of the tree, which became shelter for some frogs. A few years back, a plant started growing in that hollow that was narrow enough to protect it from the animals. However, as the tree was dying, the hope for survival of the plant also wouldn't live for long.
Recently, when I visited the place, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The tree was still there as lively as it was, maybe, some 20 years back. But at my first look, I neither found the plant nor the hollow at the bottom of the tree.
On further investigation, I realized that the plant grew up into a huge tree. It filled the hollow and grew up around the mother tree, holding it tight like a snake on a stick. Both the trees together seemed to be strong enough to survive many more cyclones in the future.
This wonderful anecdote has given an interesting perspective on life.
'Never hesitate to help those who are in real need. Try to provide them with whatever you can afford to offer. On the other hand, never hesitate to take shelter somewhere when you truly need it for survival. However, when you are on your own, do not forget to return the favor with your full capacity.'
