Allaire State Park is a beautifully historic place right here on the Jersey Shore. I was noticing that so many of the ancient trees were injured, but still thriving and it made me think of my own scars. I am not alone in being a cancer survivor, there are many. My story is proudly displayed on the scar across my neck. Some are scarred inside, and no one sees that battle that was fought.

These trees wear their scars proudly too. Even new growth can be seen emerging from the slice within its bark. Nature and humans are alike in so many ways, we both need air to breathe and water to drink and we bear witness to the years we’ve survived. My guess is many of these trees here are well over a hundred years old. A true testament of defying the odds and carrying on.