I grew up in the rural village of Attard. My home was one of the very first houses to be built on the road leading to Rabat some 54 years ago. There were fields lining our back garden stretching up to the village of Luqa, and old farmhouses facing the façade of my home.

I woke up each morning greeted by the neigh of the neighbourhood donkey and the crowing of the most annoying rooster around.

The hum of the tractors mowing the fields lulled me to sleep on those hot summer afternoons. The night skies were spectacular. My dad who was a navy captain in his younger days would take me out to the back porch and mark the skies, recounting stories from his navigator days.

The trees were still young in those days, but always sturdy and majestic. Hugging the tree was a mindful endeavour we kids enjoyed. It was so endearing growing up in a once rural village.

I can still smell the crisp spring air, the bougainvillea, the jasmine and the grass just after those light spring drizzles. Around Christmastime, we would go round the village collecting fallen pine cones which we sprinkled with glitter. We would strew them all around the festive home. The best pine cones always found their way to the Christmas table.

Christmas lunch always looked and tasted better with those fresh wreaths sitting at the centre of the table. Nature presented me with so many beautiful memories!

Those trees watched me grow and gave me a sense of bearing, an identity, a freedom like no other. Carefree days where playing in the shade of the pine tree was the meaning of a simple childhood.

Nature connected me with humanity and the beauty of life. It gave me a sense of beauty, goodness and love.

My heart and soul led me to eventually become a psychologist where I touch human pain and human beauty daily. I thank the memory of those nature-filled days and the sturdy pine trees in my once rural village of Attard which shaped me and introduced me to the awesome healing power of nature.

I think of this time with a sense of pride and nostalgia and wonder about the memories which will shape the personality of my grandchildren and their children.

Please Mr Prime Minister, save our nature for our children. The memories that will shape their future are in your hands.

Anna Cassar

Attard