Tree of Life

I was so impressed by Rachel May’s Connections, “A Mighty Oak” (November 12). I admired her ability to share her story and provide inspiration.

Mary Lyman Andover

This piece was a wonderful testament to how getting mental health care can really turn things around and help make your goals come true. I was struck by the picture that was used: I am sure it was meant to be an oak tree but it also looked like neuron cells and synapses just growing and reaching — just like they have to do with people who are trying to learn new ways of thinking and doing things and being successful.

Michele Hassler Arlington

To Rachel May: Your writing is beauty! It’s filled with emotion without being sappy. Her choice of E.E. Cummings was so heartwrenching and apt. I wish her the most happiness in life. May all the sorrow be behind her, far away.

Nalini Sharma

Sharon

The power of an oak tree is not lost on me; it’s strength to weather most storms, to bend but not break — it resonates so deeply I have an oak tree tattoo as a reminder to stay strong, to grow deep roots, and to spread out and let myself grow into who I am. Loved this and I’m glad I’m not alone in seeing [trees’] strength as a reminder when I myself don’t feel strong or capable.

givemean-a posted on bostonglobe.com

Thank you for sharing this wonderful and hopeful story. I’m a hobby photographer who has been through a pretty rough year. I have found enormous beauty and serenity in trees and realize now, just having read this, how my recent work features trees as the primary subject and the most visible exemplar of my current healing journey. Let’s hear it for trees!

Melting glacier up ahead posted on bostonglobe.com