On December 26, 2015, the Rowlett Tornado left Joy Dickey's heart and home in pieces.
"It was over with like that," she said, snapping her fingers.
But new memories are taking root in ways Joy never expected.
It may not have a thick trunk, or branches for shade, but a single tree has renewed her spirit.
"I named it 'Beautiful'," said Joy. "It represents a lot for our family."
It ended up in her yard earlier this week, courtesy of the organization RETREET. Founded right here in North Texas, it focuses on replanting trees in areas that have been hit by natural disasters.
"This is a really important part of the recovery process, reestablishing the environmental identity of a community," said founder Grady McGahan.
On Saturday, he and a group of some 200 volunteers will be planting some 250 trees in the yards of 130 families in Rowlett, with help from the City and the Home Depot Foundation.
"Just bringing living things back to a community makes a major impact, and it’s a psychological form of relief," he said.
Joy and her neighbors saw so much of their lives ripped away in an instant that night after Christmas. She considers it a gift to have something new so firmly rooted in the same ground.
"We may not always be here but this tree will be here," said Joy. "I’m going to watch every step of the way, and I’m going to put the first drop of water on it."
If you're interested in volunteering Saturday or learning more about RETREET, click here.