There is a tree I can see from work. It is crowded up against the side of a building, with a chain link fence on the other side and about one foot wide of unpaved ground. Someone cut off all the branches at the level just above the height of the fence years ago (apparently because they couldn't cut any lower with the fence in the way). It doesn't get much sun in the morning or evening because it's between buildings. Periodically people yank off any excessive greenery from it.
What's amazing is that it is still growing. I've been watching this tree for over 5 years and it is still there! This tree is just too stubborn to give up and head for that great sawmill in the sky.
In fact, I think it must be growing. If it hasn't died yet then against all odds it is still some how getting bigger.
You've got to admire that tree. Maybe tomorrow I'll go water it when no one is looking.