I have written hundreds of blog posts over the years. This will be the easiest to write because the two people who are its subject are so loving and caring. They are two of the most wonderful kind-hearted people I have ever met.
One of them, Manon, happens to be my older sister, by two years.
I wrote a blog post about Manon years ago in my Strong Beautiful Women Series. You can read it by clicking here, if you want to learn more about my sweet sister.
They were married on May 17, 1975. Manon was eighteen and Jean-Pierre was turning twenty-one eight days later. Yes, they were young. Marital statistics show that the percentage of couples who marry at that age do not last, few beyond ten years.
Anyone who knows them understands their marriage lasted because they are, and have always been, genuinely in love with each other.
I would never pretend their marriage was not, or is not, without its challenges. No healthy marriage is without them. Whether it be health challenges, relationship challenges, or the myriads of other challenges couples inevitably face over a fifty-year marriage, they faced them together with a faith-based commitment.
It is rare for couples to make it to fifty years of marriage.
Often people say opposites attract. However, I would not consider them opposites. Their nature is quite similar. They are gentle and kind souls. They have a deep understanding of what it means to love their children, their grandchildren, and their extended family. There is no doubting their sense of family.
I love them both dearly and have always respected their love and commitment to each other.
Manon and Jean-Pierre, I wish you the absolute best as you celebrate your amazing 50th wedding anniversary.
Fifty years is an amazing accomplishment. I and so many others join you in celebrating!
It is an honour to love you and to be loved by you.
