An Oak Tree Finds Her Purpose

Guest post by Amanda Bibbo, author of Why Am I Here?

It’s amazing how generous people are when a new baby is on the way. Selfless acts of kindness and gifts shower the incoming seedling prior to their first breath of oxygen. One sees an adorable newborn outfit and immediately purchases it, and it’s totally justified because it’s for the baby!

Once I heard news that my older and only sister was having her first child, I knew I had to do something unforgettable and meaningful. So, I decided to write a children’s book. Not just any old children's book. But a book that sparked questions. One with a grand message. One that educated in numerous ways. One that had a connection within our society. One that, when an adult read the book, they too, would be inspired. Finally, a book that each time it was read, the reader realized something new and amazing about the world and themselves.

I guess you could say I went a little overboard. I put my heart and soul into drafting, researching, and discovering ways to communicate my message of love. And so, my rooting journey began.

I sought to answer a question that kids and adults alike wonder about–Why Am I Here? That became my title, with the tagline: An Oak Tree Finds Her Purpose. It continued to unfold perfectly.

I couldn't have imagined a more appropriate character to reflect people than that of a tree. Not just any tree—a beautiful and curious oak named Ambarella. We, both trees and humans, grow, give, breathe, share space, create, adapt, change, need, and provide for creatures and humans every single day. In fact, we do all of this so effortlessly that it's quite a miracle.

I am no artist. So, I knew I needed to find the perfect person who not only understood my story, but could make Ambarella come to life, just as I saw her. After weeks of searching, I found a mixed media artist, Tamar Swartz from Canada. However, she was living and studying in Budapest, Hungary. We had an immediate connection, despite never having met and living halfway across the world from one another. I am grateful to have met such a creative and intelligent person. 

BOOK SUMMARY

Ambarella, a young seedling, is curious about why she is here and is determined to figure out her purpose. With the wisdom and guidance of her very old and very wise mother oak, she was able to learn more about patience, trust, and listening within herself. However, Ambarella is so worried about finding her purpose, she doesn't even realize all the amazing qualities that she has been blessed with. For example:

• creating shade for life below
• producing acorns for animals to eat
• providing shelter for various types of creatures
• giving off oxygen for us to survive 

Ambarella was searching for a grander joy—an exchange of love that would further influence the world. With patience, her purpose found HER.

REFLECTION

We all have a unique gift or special talent to give to others. When we combine this unique talent with service to others, we experience pure happiness. And this is what Ambarella felt—exultation by doing just this.

Since writing my book, I have come to the realization that I AM AMBARELLA. I am truly living out my purpose, as we all are, by simply being. Being a mom, a wife, a friend, a lifelong student, an author, a leader, and so much more. I am enough now. We are enough. We all have special qualities, and we need to share them with others. We all need reminders as adults to continue to shed sunlight on ourselves, each other, and our children. In addition, we need to practice love, patience, and kindness in everything that we do.  We need to bend with confidence when the wind blows— not break in fear or stress. This is the very definition of resilience.

After getting this work published, my family and I relocated, to a quieter and country-like lifestyle. In our backyard, a very wise and very strong oak tree is rooted. Once I saw “her,” I knew I was planted in the perfect location at the perfect time. Looking out our back windows, I am constantly reminded of Ambarella's journey—of patience—and knowing that I am on my own path, I smile as she reflects me. 

About the Author

Amanda Bibbo, her husband and two children reside in Cleveland, OH. Why Am I Here? An Oak Tree Finds Her Purpose is Amanda’s first published children’s book. It is currently for sale online at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble, along with other bookstores. Follow Amanda on Twitter @amandabibbo.