Palo Verde & Saguaro

In Phoenix this week for a facilitation with a non-profit.

The last time I was here was years ago, in Scottsdale, before I was even married. I didn’t really experience the area then.

This morning, I walked through Papago Park and up to Hole-in-the-Rock.

The landscape reminded me of our properry in Guanajuato. Dry. Arid. Dependent on rain.

I took a lot of pictures, but this one stayed with me.

A palo verde next to a saguaro.

Different in every way. And yet growing side by side.

I later learned the palo verde helps protect the cactus early on.

And over time, the cactus outgrows it. Becomes its own.

It made me think about being a father.

Raising a son to be independent, and then watching him become that, and more.

That’s part of it.

Not shaping someone to stay close.

Supporting them long enough so they can stand on their own.

And even then, still coexisting.

My Auténtico Self™