I have a heavy heart. After nine consecutive years, One Tree Hill, is having its final season. The opening credits to the announced January series finale stated, “Come back to Tree Hill for one final season.” In that moment, I felt almost lost—I felt a sense of disfiguration and disorientation. I have looked upon this fictional place called, “Tree Hill” as my own home. The voice over, Brooke Davis, in the series preview says that “Tree Hill is home” and that home is “good.”
Not to be overly dramatic, but where can I possibly go—emotionally and mentally—if home will no longer be home anymore? If Tree Hill is gone, surely a part of me that has grown over such nine years will be gone too.
I am dedicating this blog entry to One Tree Hill, the drama series created by the ingenious Mark Schwahn because I feel that most of my writing and the inspiration to write has evolved from his creation. For nine years I have been inspired by his inventive storylines, his realistically beautiful characters and this fictional place that is, in all fair, “good.”
It may sound completely absurd that I am so emotionally tied to a television series—but in reality, One Tree Hill is much more than a mere television show. In some way or another, I have related (at least once) to every single character. I have felt the heaviness, unbearable feeling of a heart ache, I have lost as much as I have gained but I have also been able to survive it all.
I have looked upon One Tree Hill as a guideline throughout most of my childhood. I have embellished myself in this fictional life so that I can understand how to grow—how to shape myself. I have learned that ,”[my] life is being shaped right now.” Looking upon this aspiring show, it has been the plaster-the glue-to my life and the person I have become. With all honesty, One Tree Hill has been the catalyst to every big dream I have ever had.
I have learned a lot within these years. I have learned that family, although it may be broken at some point, will be strong. It only takes a few off that family tree, a few spare leaves, to help you grow. I have learned that battling heartache and loss will only make you stronger in the end. In fact, it just might give you another life to live. I have learned that in this life, things will always fall apart and I have learned that there is always some way to put it back together.
For the main character, Lucas Scott, his love and devotion for literature and writing has given me the courage to write on my own and to write strictly from the heart. Because that is where the best stories are.
Peyton Sawyer: I have intrinsically incorporated music into my life. From Nada Surf to City and Colour, I have learned that “music can save you.” And although every song comes to an end, there isn’t any reason why I should never stop enjoying the music. Her willingness to dream has made me the catcher.
Haley Scott: I will always believe that Haley is the most vulnerable of them all—and yet, she will always be strong enough to act just sane. I remember Haley as “Tutor Girl” and as valedictorian of Tree Hill High. Because of Haley Scott, I thought it was, frankly, cool to be a nerd.
Nathan Scott: He is one hell of a legend—a dreamer and a fighter. I have truly understood from his story the truth about forgiveness. To be quite frank, I had always admired the way Nathan Scott stayed loyal to himself--and most importantly, to his goals. It was evidently clear that he could have given up multiple times. In fact, he had enough reasons to quit. But Nathan knew what he wanted--He wanted to play for the NBA and he was unwilling to accept anything else. He didn't settle and for that, I consider Nathan Scott a human trophy of indurance and perseverance.
Brooke Davis: With all respect, my favorite character. The one character that has evolved from the girl behind the red door, to the most beautiful, courageous person I have ever seen on One Tree Hill. I think that the person that grows the most—the one who comes through a tight tunnel with bruises and scars and is still beautiful—is the one worth noting. I have truly loved the person Brooke Davis has become.
Love. Forgiveness. Bravery. Ambitions. Friendship. It sounds all very simple—but it is not.
After nine years, One Tree Hill comes to an end. So here’s to nine years of love, nine years of forgiveness, nine years of bravery, nine years of ambitions and nine years of friendship. It feels “good.”
