The story behind this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is very reminiscent of the Hallmark movies that many enjoy during the holiday season.

This year’s tree comes from Earl Albert, who donated a spruce tree from his garden in honor of his late wife, Leslie Albert Today. However, the whole story goes back decades.

According to NBC affiliate WNBC, it all started in 1967 when the then-newlywed couple planted the tree in the front yard of their new home in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Although it was originally a waist-high tree, it eventually grew to 74 feet tall.

In 2020, Leslie died at the age of 78. Two days later, Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center, discovered the tree by chance. “I saw this tree coming down the road right in front of me,” he told WNBC. “And I knew I had to knock on the door.”

Earl and Leslie’s son Michael described Pauze as “an angel” – and his wife Shawn said the family “took it as a sign.”

“She loved everything about Christmas, the tree, everything,” she added.

Earl told WNBC that being asked to donate the tree was “probably one of the greatest honors of my life” – and that he believed his late wife would be “thrilled.”

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Earl had health problems last month when he suffered a stroke, but his family reported it Today They hoped he would feel better in time to watch the tree lighting in person on Wednesday, December 4th.

“We thank everyone for their good wishes and thoughtful messages. “Earl has recovered from a stroke and is receiving very good care,” the family said in a statement. “He is looking forward to the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center and is working hard to be able to attend in person.”

Although the tree is no longer in the family home, they plan to create a memorial where it once stood – and Michael said it means a lot to me to know that the tree is now the backdrop for countless new ones will be holiday memories.

“Honestly, it’s a tribute to my mother,” Michael said Today. “It’s a new beginning for the tree. It’s a new beginning for our family.”