Valentine’s Day brings yet another opportunity to display appreciation for the loved ones in our lives. For couples like Earl and Alice Martin, Valentine’s Day is a chance to reflect on many wonderful years shared together.
The Martins are one of hundreds of couples residing in Holiday Retirement communities who have enjoyed more than six decades of marriage! This October will mark the couple’s 62nd wedding anniversary.
“They’ve been good years,” Alice said. “We’ve had our ups and down, but we truly love each other.”
The Martins reside at Grizzly Peak, a Holiday Retirement senior living community in Missoula, Mont. They both grew up in small towns and met in their early twenties through their shared love of horses. Their families both belonged to the saddle club.
“My dad first introduced us,” Alice said. “As far as my dad was concerned, Earl could do no wrong.”
Together, the Martins raised six children. Earl worked as a herdsman and a contractor and served as the county commissioner for 12 years while Alice stayed busy cooking at a school in their hometown of Drummond, Mont. for 23 years.
They moved to Grizzly Peak in October of 2011.
“We really enjoy it here,” Earl said “This is our home now.”
Though their surroundings have changed, one thing remains constant for the happy couple – their love for one another.
“He’s a good man,” Alice said. “He’s honest and kind and loves his family.” When asked what he loves most about Alice, Earl echoed her sentiments, while adding: “She’s also a good cook. I just love her.”
Bill and Stella Carder of Maplewood Estates in Fairport, N.Y., have spent 67 years of marriage together. And, to think, both of their parents initially disagreed with their decision to tie the knot.
“Our folks thought we were too young – that it was just puppy love,” Bill recalls. “But we knew it’s the real thing. Love is the main ingredient. You get married because you want to spend the rest of your life with someone.”
A bit of coincidence – their first official date was Dec. 7, 1941, better known as the date Pearl Harbor was attacked.
“The following year in the spring, I proposed and she accepted,” Bill said. “We’ve never regretted a day since. As you get older, you appreciate more of the things you have in life, like the relationships.”
Their advice to younger couples?
“You have to have to have complete trust or you’ll never succeed,” they said.
Happy Valentine’s Day!