The Story behind our Logo
Our logo is the Sea Grape Tree and you may have noticed it at the top of our web site pages. Why Sea Grape trees? Our Co-Founder, Jeff Harris, took the picture at the northern tip of Long Island in the Bahamas while his family was vacationing together several years ago. Sea Grape trees live in tropical and semi-tropical environments. They endure occasional storms that threaten to destroy them. The key to the trees survival is their flexibility, deep root system, and resilient nature. In addition, the trees produce fruit that can be eaten or made into a delicious jelly or wine. And the bark and roots have medicinal qualities.
Its deep green leaves add beauty and shade, which benefit a variety of wildlife. The trees enjoy a long life span and new generations of Sea Grape trees spring from the parent trees. These trees thrive in an often-harsh environment and prosper in spite of adversity.
So what can we learn from these trees?
First, every family will face adversity. Wealth and material blessings will not insulate any family from the harsh environment of life. Storms will come and threaten to destroy the family. Knowing this, we can prepare in advance to weather the storms and hopefully, grow stronger from having successfully endured them.
Like the Sea Grape Tree, families must have a deep root system to survive and thrive. Creating a Family Vision Statement through The Heritage Institute's Guided Discovery Process is the key to building family unity and cohesiveness. When a Vision Statement is properly presented to ones family members, and they discover the benefits and values it holds for them, the family root system is dramatically strengthened.
A Family Council adds additional resilience as common values and goals brings clarity, focus and direction to family members. Finally, Family Retreats provide an environment of fun, laughter and learning. It's a unique opportunity for the family's heritage, values and work ethic to be passed on and caught by new generations.
And that's why we chose the humble Sea Grape Tree as our logo. It symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, deep anchoring roots that hold shifting sand in place, nurture, healing, beauty and shelter. In short, the attributes of a healthy, thriving family with a bright future and an amazing destiny!