The Friendship Oak - A Symbol of Strength
by Shelia White
It was
only wind and water. Wind and water that destroyed a century of God’s
work. Wind and water that destroyed manmade structures that have stood
the most violent of storms. Yet, one thing remained.
The beautiful Gulf Park
campus of The University of Southern Mississippi is positioned in what
many called paradise – sixty-seven acres of oak-laden grounds in
Long Beach, Mississippi.
At the southern edge of campus, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, lives a magnificent
live oak tree believed to be more than 500 years old. This is the Friendship
Oak.
The Friendship Oak has served this campus well. Faculty have held classes in
the platform that rests in the security of its limbs. Weddings have been held
under its canopy. Tour buses stop daily to witness its massive strength and beauty.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina unleashed her fury on the Mississippi Gulf
Coast. Through the violent winds and water that ravaged this peaceful campus,
Friendship Oak has survived.
I am amazed at its strength. As a child growing up in this quiet neighborhood,
I climbed its limbs; I marveled at its beauty.
As reports came in on the tremendous storm damage, I wondered about Gulf Park
and my friend. Three days after Katrina I am able to make my way to the campus.
Many
buildings are heavily damaged. Many no longer exist. The three
multi-story buildings that face the Gulf of Mexico tell the story
of Katrina’s fury. These structures, built in the early 1900s,
are badly beaten. The first floor of each has been washed through
and through. Offices, records, history have all been destroyed.
Piles of debris make my journey difficult. Yet, as I turn the corner I see my
old friend. Standing tall and proud. Looking naked in the scorching south Mississippi
sun. Its bark is warm and, as I rub my hands across a limb, I am overwhelmed
with emotion.
Friendship Oak has survived. So much is gone, yet my old friend remains.
Its endurance is symbolic of this community. We are tattered and torn but we
will thrive again. We have strength that will overcome this catastrophe.
Eventually, new leaves will adorn this magnificent giant oak tree, just as a
new economy will grow in this community. Friends will again visit to witness
the beauty of the Friendship Oak, just as friends will again visit the Mississippi
Gulf Coast to witness our strength, determination and beauty.
Shelia White is director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus, where she has worked since 1977. She is a native of Long Beach, Miss. Photos courtesy of Tim Isbell, The Sun Herald.