Ageless Parkrand couple celebrate 50 years of marriage
Their love story may have been unconventional but so too is their recipe to happiness.
Secret meetings as a budding relationship blossomed, hidden from the damsel’s parents, sounds like the plot of an ageless Shakespearean play.
But, this is how one Parkrand couple started their life-long journey together.
Jan and Brenda Steenkamp celebrated their golden anniversary on May 5 and the couple still have a long list of items to tick off their bucket list.
The two met in Springs in 1971, but describe their relationship as not being a fairytale beginning where they fell madly in love at first sight.
“I was 15 when we met and was in no way interested in jumping into a relationship with a man 14 years my senior,” said Brenda.
“At that stage, participating in sport was my only interest, but Jan was a good friend supporting me from the sidelines whenever he had a chance.”
With his dazzling blue eyes and razor-sharp wit, Jan finally won the heart of the self-proclaimed tomboy, Brenda.
“My parents did not approve of our relationship due to the big age gap, but we were learning to love each other and did so in secret with the creative help of my sister,” Brenda explained.
“After two years, Jan asked for my hand in marriage, soon followed by the birth of our son.
“Despite naysayers predicting that our marriage would ultimately end in tears, here we are 50 years later and stronger than ever.”
Joking, the two spirited individuals say that since saying ‘I do’ they have nearly always worked together, spending every waking hour in each other’s company.
“We work well together and we play to each other’s strengths, but some days we have to learn to love one another again. Running a business together requires a fine balance and tons of patience,” said Brenda.
“We have weathered many storms but stormy weather always brings the most beautiful gardens to bloom.”
With Jan’s 82nd birthday approaching, he says that he can attribute his youthful appearance to Brenda’s cooking, positive attitude and undying sense of adventure.
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“We have made a pact to experience every one of the country’s ziplines – at least the ones that will let a young man like myself slide,” said Jan.
“Brenda also wants to skydive. I just hope my parachute is not an optional extra.”
Dreaming of what other adventures the two may still endeavour, Jan and Brenda said that spending quality time with their family remains at the top of the list.
“We are blessed with Jan’s two children as well as our son, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild, who add tons of joy to our lives,” said Brenda.
“We hope that our relationship will inspire them to always keep love as the cornerstone of their lives.”
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