When I first got the email from Simone, Frank and Betty’s granddaughter, I thought I must have read it wrong. Her grandparents are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary today.
Seventy years. Married in 1956.
It’s such a rare milestone that it even has its own name: a Platinum Wedding Anniversary.
I knew I couldn’t simply say congratulations and leave it at that. I wanted to hear from the couple themselves and learn the secret behind seven decades of marriage, memories, and love.
They were an absolute pleasure to talk to, and both emphasized how important mutual respect is in a relationship.
Their 70 years together have included a lot more than anniversaries. After meeting in Halifax and marrying in Northern Ireland, the couple travelled the world through Frank’s work, including several years living in Syria. They raised four daughters, became grandparents eight times over, and are now the proud great-grandparents of two boys. These days, they call Bridgewater home.
The couple knows how lucky they are. Their marriage has outlast many people’s lives. Frank says they are grateful.
“We’re very, very lucky to have this long life together. Not everybody gets that chance.”
Betty had the perfect closing line:
“It’s been a great marriage. Like every marriage, it has its ups and a few little downs, but we’ve had a wonderful life together, and a few more years yet to come.”
Listen to our full conversation below.
