Lifetime of love: Couple married 75 years die a day apart

Today.com ^ | 7/29/2013 | Rebecca Ruiz

[South40]

When Les and Helen Brown became high school sweethearts more than 75 years ago, their parents didn’t believe the match would last.

((snip))

Les recently slipped into a coma at the couple’s Long Beach, Calif., home, and hospice workers said he might live for just a few more days. Helen, who was expected to survive for some months, became very weak. She passed away on July 16. Les died the following day — he never knew about his wife’s death. They were 94 years old.

[wardaddy]

We had a well liked popular freeper about 7 years ago whose longtime wife died of uncle charlie

He followed her less than a year later

God bless lifelong love

[kabumpo]

Try to get counseling together to work on what is bothering you. It can make a huge difference.

[napscoordinator]

“She passed away on July 16. Les died the following day — he never knew about his wife’s death. They were 94 years old.”

Personally, I am glad he never knew. It would have been horrible for him I would imagine. Both dying the same day and time may have been better, but this was pretty perfect.

[fredhead]

My parents met when he threw his name and address to her out the back of the army truck he was riding in as they passed thru the small town of Alexandria, TN on 1942. They married in October of 1945. Dad died in 2006, one month shy of their 61st anniversary. Mom followed him 3 months later.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

See!

We all knew it wouldn’t last!

Dementia is God’s way of saying “Just shut up and sit with me and love me”, as Jesus loves us when we’re not aware of Him. Why he gives some of us the depth/hardship of experiencing that love, and others a quick heart attack 30 years earlier, is a mystery.

[Atlas Sneezed]

I’m having some ... trouble in my 22 year marriage. Sometimes I feel we’re staying together just for the kids. I would love to believe that love can endure for years like that. The passion may go away, but affection and love can remain. I admire people who can make it work for that long.

---

My only advice is to get counseling, and if the other one doesn’t want to go, go alone.

Also, read “The 5 Love Languages” It’s a quick read with a powerful message that could be summarized in a magazine article. It can restore the affection and romance lost in stale marriages.

[B4Ranch]

Without getting too personal, I’m having some ... trouble in my 22 year marriage.

Without getting too personal, if he does something that irritates you, wait at least 24 hours before you mention the issue. If you can still recall what it was 24 hours later, ask yourself if it is worth causing an argument over. Most of the time you’ll decide to forgive and forget without ever mentioning a word. Be quick to forgive. It’s easier than staying angry at someone you love.

[South40]

My parents met when he threw his name and address to her out the back of the army truck he was riding in as they passed thru the small town of Alexandria, TN on 1942.

That's a very interesting story. My inlaws also met in a unique way. My father in law had just moved from Baltimore to San Diego and he and his buddies attended a parade that was part of the 1935-1936 California Pacific Exhibition. While watching the parade he saw a beautiful Italian woman riding in one of the cars representing San Diego's Italian community, or Little Italy. He was so smitten with her that he visited the "Casa Italiana" in Balboa Park later in the day and had his picture taken with her. They never saw each other again until seven years later they happen to cross paths once again in Balboa Park. He asked her out and they were married within a year. That marriage lasted 69 years or until my mother in law died in 2001. My father in law passed in 2006 and my wife now has that picture they had taken in 1935.

[dalereed]

we’re working at it, we have 55 years done and counting.

[South40]

Congrats! Best wishes for many more!

Mrs. 40 and I met late in life. We just celebrated our 20th. We're relative newbies at it compared to many.

[proud American in Canada]

Without getting too personal, if he does something that irritates you, wait at least 24 hours before you mention the issue. If you can still recall what it was 24 hours later, ask yourself if it is worth causing an argument over. Most of the time you’ll decide to forgive and forget without ever mentioning a word. Be quick to forgive. It’s easier than staying angry at someone you love.

_____________________________________

Now that is great advice. You are so right. People fly off the handle in the heat of the moment—but most times, it means nothing. Time heals all wounds—and calms tempers.

Thank you, B4Ranch. :)

Julie