Many of the projects and ideas we come across in life revolve around community. Whether we’re building something new, supporting those around us, or just reflecting on what we leave behind, our sense of community is always there, shaping the legacy we create for future generations.

For me, these reflections have been influenced not only by the work I’ve done but by the stories and experiences passed down in my own family. A story from my father’s side of the family, rooted in Barbados, has made me think deeply about what it means to be part of a legacy that transcends the present moment.

A Story of Legacy and Time: The Family Tree in Barbados

On one of our trips to Barbados, my dad shared a story with us-one that had been passed down from his father and from my great-grandmother before that. It was a story about a life. My dad’s grandmother had told my grandfather this story when he was a boy. AND at the end of her story she said to him:
“This tree was here before I was born, and it will be here after you are gone.” and she then said “my grandmother told me this same story when I was girl younger than you are right now, right here under this very tree.“

This simple yet profound closing statement stuck with my grandfather, and in turn, he passed not only the story down but the story of how it was passed down to my father. On this particular trip, my dad took us to see the tree. We stood there, three generations together, talking about life, time, and the lasting presence of this tree-a symbol of continuity in a world that often feels fleeting.

The tree had been there long before us, and it would continue to stand long after we were gone. It was a reminder of the transient nature of human life, and yet, it also represented something eternal-the enduring connection between the past, present, and future.

The Tree as a Symbol of Community and Continuity

The tree, in many ways, reflects the idea of community. Just as a tree stands tall through the generations, we, too, are part of something larger than ourselves. We inherit the communities we live in from those who came before us, and we leave them behind for those who will come after.

For my family, this tree has become more than just a marker of time. It is a tangible symbol of our connection to the Caribbean, to our roots, and to the land that nurtured generations before us. The fact that it stands so close to where my father was born only strengthens that bond. My grandfather, who first learned about the tree from his grandmother, remembers it from his own childhood, his days as a father, and now as a grandfather.

The tree carries not just memories but a legacy-a reminder that our lives are part of something much bigger. Just as the tree stands through the seasons and the decades, our actions, our love, and our care for the community carry forward in ways we may never fully see.

The Larger Perspective: Life Beyond the Present Moment

One of the things this story brought into sharp focus for me is how easy it is to forget the wider context of life. We often think of the world in human terms-our lifetimes, our experiences-but the world itself moves on a much grander scale. Trees live for centuries, ecosystems evolve over millennia, and communities, too, grow and change in ways we can only partially understand in our lifetime.

This reflection is humbling. It reminds me that we are here for only a brief moment in the grand timeline of the planet. And yet, in that moment, we have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact, not only through the work we do but through the relationships we build, the stories we tell, and the communities we nurture.

Our lives, like that of the tree, are part of a continuous cycle. We come into a world that was shaped by those before us, and we leave behind a world that will be shaped by those who come after. The challenge-and the gift-is to contribute something meaningful to that cycle.

Connecting to Legacy in Our Communities

This idea of legacy isn’t just about family-it’s about the broader community as well. Just as we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, we have a responsibility to care for the communities that will outlast us. Whether through charity, acts of kindness, or simply being a good neighbor, we each have a role to play in building a better world for future generations.

The story of the tree in Barbados has stayed with me because it is a reminder that the communities we are part of today will be passed on to those who follow. What kind of community do we want to leave behind? How do we ensure that we are contributing to something that will stand the test of time, like that tree?

A Legacy of Community and Connection

As I reflect on my own journey, the story of the tree in Barbados reminds me that life is about more than just the present moment. It’s about the legacy we leave behind-the communities we build, the relationships we nurture, and the stories we pass down.

We may not all have a tree to symbolise our legacy, but we do have the opportunity to plant seeds in our communities that will grow and flourish long after we’re gone. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger efforts to make the world a better place, we all have the ability to leave a lasting impact.

And perhaps, just like that tree, our contributions will continue to stand tall for generations to come.