As a proud citizen of Lakewood, I would like to thank everyone involved in the huge effort in keeping Lakewood a beautiful city. Nine years ago my wife and I decided to make Lakewood our home. We rented here for some time before planting roots. We bought an amazing house on Granger that we fell in love with for its great bones and beautiful yard with a gorgeous tree on the tree lawn that added richness to the overall appearance.

Last year the tree was stricken and it was taken down. My wife was crushed; she really loves her plants. I called the Department of Forestry and a caring, amazing lady who was as truly concerned as we were put us on a list to receive a new tree. Shortly after my call the city was there to grind up the stump and replant the grass. They were so professional.

To my surprise one day at work my wife called me to say "We have a tree, we have a tree!". It was if we had another child. We would look out the window at times to admire it; it was so pretty. It might seem corny, but we're now the proud parents of a beautiful young life, a gift of nature

Thank you for your understanding and your concern. It's obvious that this city really is for the people.

Paul Burns