I love the thought, the meaning behind it. my only suggestion? reduce the tree trunk..make it thinner..me mean..and make the tree a rounded one..rather than a tall one. tall is rather overbearing, powerful. rounded - shading, protection ,shelter.
lovely work, esp for a beginner.
what happened is tragic, and yes tough. but everything happens with a greater meaning behind it. my empathy for your friend and his wife.