It was November of 1941 and we had just moved into our new home. Two weeks later our country was plunged into the most horrendous war in our history. During that long, dark and terrible winter, we avidly listened to the radio, only to hear of losing one battle after another. Many of us volunteered hours of work to help the war effort.
All of a sudden, without realizing it, it was SPRING and we were able to enjoy the warm sun while working in our gardens. One day I noticed my new neighbor planting a tree in the corner where our properties joined. She told me it was a Magnolia Tree.
As the years passed this little tree grew taller and taller as did our two girls born in 1946 and 1948. That corner of our garden became our haven. Her branches leaned over us, cooling us on hot summer days, sheltering us from sudden showers. My husband built a patio in that corner of the garden and we played, read and had picnics under her branches. Some evenings friends visited and we would sit in that peaceful corner and enjoy being together.
Ah, hut the very best time, for me was the early spring, when she would burst into bloom, waving her branches, inviting us to gaze in awe at her magnificent blossoms. I loved her. She was my tree. This annual renewal of her blooming, rejuvenated me and gave me strength. Many times over the years I would sit in our corner and murmer to her, my problems and hopes and dreams. She never let me down and I would come away refreshed and at peace.
After forty years of working for one company, my husband took early retirement. Happily we started to plan extensive vacation trips. I soon learned to have our overnight bags packed, because at the spur of the moment we would hop into the car and take off to explore our beautiful countryside. We were two happy adventurers, without a care in the world, getting our feet wet in this new world of retirement. However, the best laid plans of mice and men were for naught. Tragedy struck, and Harold became a cancer victim. Within six short months he left me. I was devastated. We were just beginning to enjoy a new life together and now nothing. I went into a deep depression, and was cold physically and mentally as the frozen snow outside my window.
That terrible winter just dragged on and on. My two girls became very concerned about my utter lack of interest in anything. However, as we all know, time does march on and without any notice from me, the snow melted, the sun grew warmer and suddenly it was SPRING.
One morning as I lay in my bed, with my eyes still closed, I became aware of a swaying movement behind my eyelids. Reluctantly I opened my eyes and to my astonishment I could see the uppermost branches of my Magnolia Tree, beckoning to me to get out of bed and admire her beautiful new blossoms. I could not believe she had grown so tall.
I sat at the window for what seemed like hours, crying for joy at the sight of my lovely friend. I dressed, went into the garden, looked around, and started to work. When I tired I sat under her swaying branches and rested.
And thus it went for the next twenty years until, the day came when I had to say "Goodbye" to my home and loved friend of sixty years.
Anne Humbach
July 2005
Copyright © 2002-2010 Anne Humbach