60 years of wedded bliss for Benoni couple
On their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple was presented with an "Oscar" award by their children and grandchildren.
The secret to a successful marriage is three things, communication, communication and communication.
This is the advice given by Roland Metzer (83), who celebrated 60 years of marriage to his wife, Brenda (80), on June 10.
When Roland was sharing the advice, Brenda said, ‘yes, sure my darling’ while she shook her head and laughed.
Their daughter, Dianne Granger, said if there was no such thing as Covid-19, the family would be throwing them a stunning party to celebrate this amazing achievement and combine it with their mother’s 80th birthday.
“But, unfortunately, we cannot put anybody at risk. So, we will have a small family dinner with Frank Sinatra ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ playing in the background! They deserve another Oscar,” said Dianne.
On their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple was presented with an “Oscar” award by their children and grandchildren.
The Benoni residents got married at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church on June 10, 1961.
Their wedding was featured in the City Times in 1961.
ALSO READ: Couple celebrates 65th wedding anniversary
The couple loves dancing together, especially to Frank Sinatra’s music.
Dianne said this was the first song they ever danced to in the foyer of the Benoni Town Hall when her mother was part of East Rand Comedy Players’ Strangers in the Night. Brian McPhearson was in the band.
“They also love watching sports together, especially football until the late hours of the evening.
“My father loves my mother because she is beautiful inside and out, a generous, caring, kind person with a lovely temperament and she is a fantastic poet. He sometimes calls her Florence Nightingale as she has looked after and cared for so many ill people,” she said.
“My mother loves my father for his brilliant sense of humour, kindness, patience and positivity. The way he sings My Way (with his Frank Sinatra hat on) of which he is famous for in our family and sings it at every family function there is.”
Their son, Alan, said he has learned morality from his parent’s marriage.
Their other daughter, Terry, has learned to always look on the bright side of life and to never stop persevering.
“I have learnt that true love does exist. Appreciate each other’s worth, be positive, have faith and hope as in your darkest of days only the big boss above can pull you through, so when you fall, don’t forget to stand up and straighten your crown,” said Terry.
Dianne added that her parents are adored by their grandchildren. They each have their special bond with them and love listening to the stories of yesteryear.
“Our parents are surrounded with so much love.
“God plays a huge role in their lives, which I admire them for. Their faith is so strong,” she said.
Their advice to newlyweds is to have respect for each other, be considerate and learn to compromise; it boils down to give and take.
“Support each other in what you both enjoy doing. Forgive, don’t hold grudges, communication is the key to any relationship. “Last but not least, believe that a family that prays together stays together,” said the couple.
ALSO READ: Charles and Glynis strike gold in their marriage
