As many recoil from the daily onslaught of war, economic disruption and polarization, I try to remember Haldir’s hopefulness in J.R.R. The cavity it creates takes the place of what was a root flare, probably caused by a long-ago fire. We come back later, leaving a journal and a dog biscuit in the gnome house to see if anyone responds. The scarred tree teaches that imperfection and even wounds can create opportunities for connection, while unspoken agreements can exist among strangers. The big-hearted boy teaches there is hope in both the seen and the unseen.

Source: Daily Sun March 29, 2026 17:30 UTC