A Few Words From Melba: Pine Trees and Love

April 24, 2015 - This is a story about pine trees and love. Where else could they grow so beautiful as in Shelby County, East Texas, in Center Texas.

These pines trees grow on the farm of Buck and Melba Williams in the yard.

Acreage was given to Melba from her dad to build a house. When Hwy 96 was built some 60 years ago, they lived in this house surround by pine trees (tall ones).

Some years in the life of Buck and Melba, the pine trees became a problem. Buck did not like the pine trees because of the pine straw. Melba loved the pine trees including the pine straw.

Melba worked in town and showed up one day with crying eyes at her job. A very close friend got word of the problem and quickly made his way to see them.

He wanted to know what was wrong. He was well aware of the fact Buck could not live in this world without Melba and Melba for sure could not live, period, without Buck. So the friend had to do just some problem solving. They agreed to work with him to solve this most important issue of pine trees and love.

This was the suggestion made by the friend since Melba's dad gave her the land. I suppose that the pine trees belong to her and the house Buck built belong to both of them.

There were times when some pine trees needed to be removed. So Buck was to choose the trees to be taken down and have it completely removed, mess and all, while Melba was away from home for the day and just maybe she would not miss it (as much). This was agreeable to both of them and that was 16 pine trees ago, cleared out of the yard.

The pine tree problem was solved, but they had to promise their 'friend' they would never, ever leave each other , "as long as stars were in the sky." They were married 66 years; 'a love affair to remember.'

Oh yes, my story would not be complete without the friend's name, James Campbell. He was a life long friend of Buck, who grew up part time in the Williams' home. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell loved the Williams also. There were 9 brothers and sisters to play with while growing up for James who was an only child.

There was always Chocolate pie and Thank you James.