50 years of unconditional love

She designed carpets that were stepped on by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and he ran one of the most successful processed meat chains in KZN.

This interesting Salt Rock couple, Trevor and Sharneen Thompson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the Oyster Box hotel last month, where they had had their wedding reception fifty years ago.

“He was a rosy cheeked farm boy with bright red hair,” she said, while looking at their black and white wedding photo.

The now grey haired Trevor, still rosy cheeked, remembers Sharneen slightly differently.

“When I saw her for the first time, she was playing basketball and she was no good, but I thought there must be something else she is good at and I wanted to find out what that was.”

Turns out Sharneen, who has an identical twin sister, is good at creating beautiful things.

“She has the most extraordinary colour co-ordination skills,” said Trevor, his face gleaming with pride, while she immediately interjected that one of the first things she did after their wedding, was to change his dress code.

“I was horrified when he came to bed on our honeymoon in rugby shorts and an old shirt,” she said, while laughing.

The carpet designer, well-known painter and flower art specialist spends her time painting lovely landscapes and creating beautiful spaces in their bed and breakfast home, Seaforth Farm.

“We have been trying to stop the bed and breakfast business for a few years now, but our guests will not let us,” she said.

Trevor also had an artistic gene, proving to be a talented woods craftsman and has created the most intricate beds and furniture for their lovely old home, which was first owned by Sir Liege Hulett, founder of the Huletts Sugar, and became the first school in the area in 1858.

“We have lived in this house for 50 years and we hope to never leave it,” said Trevor, who is also a well-known beekeeper.

The term “opposites attract” is an apt description of this wonderful couple, who after so many years, still look at each other with adoration.

“She has a serious case of technophobia,” said Trevor, who handles all things electronic in their household.

“He is the practical man and is the most wonderful husband around the house, as he can fix anything and everything, while I keep the house and garden pretty” she said.

But what is the secret to their seemingly perfect marriage in an age where very few married couples achieve this kind of milestone.

“We have always had a clear hierarchy in our relationship: the love of our Lord comes first, then each other and then our children,” said Sharneen.

Furthermore the couple said the three most important aspects of their marriage are: communication, unconditional love and companionship.

“We tell each other everything and we know that even when we have a terrible argument it will end well, because we love each other unconditionally,” said Trevor.

“That we do, and we so enjoy going away for long periods of time to just enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

Trevor and Sharneen Thompson are living proof that true love still exists.