'Spirit angel' carved from tree P.E.I. boy died climbing 10 years ago

A P.E.I. mother is havinga carver create a memorialfrom the remains of a tree whichher 9-year-old son died while climbing a decadeago.

It'sa fitting way to rememberher son Brandon Gallant, who was electrocuted at their Summerside homeon May 23, 2006, saidTrishGallant-Coles.There was awire among the branchesand, although Gallant-Coles doesn't know for sure, shethinks Brandonmay have grabbed the wireor a nearby branch that was conducting electricity.

The idea of the memorial came to herwhen herlandlord asked if he could havethe tree taken down.

"I was hesitant at first, so the landlord left it up to me, really. He asked 'How do you feel about it?' And I said 'Well, I think I'm ready,'" said Gallant-Coles.

"I asked him if he would save a piece so I could have something done for Brandon."

'The tree is coming alive'

Gallant-Coles askedWayne Ellis to do thecarving,after seeing the wizard he created in his front yardin Summerside.

Ellissaidhis hobbygrewout of his work as an arborist.

Last Friday, Ellis sized upwhat was left of the approximately 80-year-old spruce tree in Gallant-Coles' side yard, not knowing what he was going to create. Once he started carving the sweet-smellingsix-foot stump, he said he realized it was a motherly angel.

"The best part of the tree was staring at the house, at her door, so that's where I started," said Ellis.

"She's very majestic."

"The tree is coming alive, and it's a beautiful thing," said Gallant-Coles, describing what it's been like to watch the work.

"Everytime I open thedoor I'm going to be greeted by this beautiful spirit angel, you know.I think it's wonderful."

Carver says emotional work

The carving has been emotional work, saidEllis. Althoughhe didn't know Brandon,he remembers the tragic accident.

"I'm thinking of what the family went through. It's going on ten years, but it probably seems like a halfanhour ago."

Being in the tree-trimming business, Ellis said hecomesacross hidden wires frequently."It's dangerous, very dangerous."

The thin cover on wires can beworn off if they rub againsta branch, and then thatbranch can conduct afatal current, he points out.

Gallant-Coleswants parents and children to know the risks, especially now that it's spring and more children will be playing outdoors. She believestrees should not be planted near power lines, and trees that are thereshould be kept trimmed.

"Keep the children safe."

'I know Brandon's therewatching me'

Brandon's 24-year-old brother Josh, who uses a wheelchair,loves the memorial carving.

"Since this started, I wheel out that door in the morning and I know Brandon's therewatching me. And that puts a smile on my face."

Ellis expects it will take one more day to finish the carving, including oiling the wood to bring out the colours and putting a protective coat on it to keep it from weathering.

The word grandmother keeps coming to him as he works on the wood, said Ellis."It seemed like a grandmother looking over the family."

"My mother died when I was quite young, and she never got to meet my children, but now I believe she has met one," addedGallant-Coles.