Valentine’s Day is a day we celebrate love… love of family, friends, as well as significant others. It’s a time to show those we love how special they are. It’s also no secret that living in holy matrimony with one person can be difficult. In fact, if you look at statistics, 40% of marriages end in divorce. In our February feature story, we’ll introduce you to some Memorial couples who have withstood the test of time as they share their secrets to a lasting love.
ENDURING LOVE
Caroline Harsh- Bennett and Kelly Bennett have been married for 18 years and met when freshman at Memorial High School. They were great friends in school; in fact, because of their friendship and the group of kids that hung around each other, their parents were all friends too. After college, Kelly and Caroline found their way back to each other when they were both 27 and this time the friendship turned to love when they married a couple years later.
Caroline and Kelly’s parents are also great examples of enduring love and something we all can learn from.
Sue & John Bennett
Met in August, 1960 in Big Spring, TX at Goliad Junior High School where Sue was a cheerleader. They started going out when Sue was only 12 and John 13. John says marriage has been long- lasting “because we are in love and I basically do whatever she tells me to.” Sue claims the marriage lasted this long because “John supported me and loved me and I loved him.” Advice for newlyweds: “ Remember you are in love with someone who is irreplaceable and whom you should be ready to agree with even though the idea is hers and not yours, respect each other and give each other space when needed. We celebrated our 50th with parties with family and friends.”
Janice & George Harsh
“We met freshman year at The University of Tennessee on a double date, not with each other, I was with George’s roommate and best friend. After the date, George called and suggested we were perhaps a better fit and asked me out the second week at college. That began our courtship. George got his roommate a blind date and they ended up marrying too! Our marriage has lasted through the years because we were both really committed to the marriage, and George claims he found the only one on earth that would put up with him! Our advice to newlyweds: Be grateful for each other, say it, positive reinforcement, and laughing through it all, old age isn’t funny.
60+ YEARS OF LOVE…
Ken & Mary Ellen have been married 67 years. They got married in 1953 and have lived in Nottingham for 50 years in June 2020!
How did you meet? We were attending college at Monmouth College in Illinois when we met on a midnight training going back to school after Thanksgiving break. Trains hold a special place in our hearts since that’s where it all started.
What is the recipe for a great marriage? We believe our marriage has lasted so long because of our respect for each other. We work together as a team. And we listen. So many young people these days don’t always listen. Listen to your spouse and respect their feelings. And women always like flowers. Still to this day, flowers and wine, don’t forget that!
What advise do you have for newlyweds? Try to keep your lives as simple as possible and keep time for each other. We remind our children and grandchildren who now have kids of their own to stop and smell the roses. Have a candle lit dinner once a week. And find a conversation corner to just talk to each other.
Ralph and Adelene have had a picture perfect relationship being married for 68 years.
Where and how did you meet?
Ralph: In 1951, my uncle wanted me to show Adelene and her friend around Galveston. They were from Ft. Worth. I asked to see her picture first then said okay but had no intention of marriage. To me Adelene was beautiful, still is. Traveling to Galveston, we stopped at a little honky tonk, played the juke box and danced. She danced pretty darn good!
Adelene: My dad said his friend’s nephew from Houston could show me around Galveston. But I wanted to see his picture first. He was handsome and we had a very nice time together. Before I left, I called thanking him saying I wasn’t sure what would happen with this relationship. He said he was a confirmed bachelor and was never getting married. But he visited me in Ft. Worth the very next weekend and for the next six months, so it all worked out.
Why do you think your marriage has lasted so long? We went into our marriage committed to God and each other, which has guided every day of our lives. We respect each other and work together to understand and respect our differences. We never go to bed angry, always resolving or beginning to resolve our issues, giving a kiss and saying I love you; we hold each other’s hands as we fall asleep.
What advice can you give to newlyweds for a long happy marriage? Put God in the middle of the marriage, respect each other, listening first, give …that is both give to each other, NEVER go to bed angry. This is our foundation of success and of a life fulfilled.
