Park Care Centre’s married seniors impart relationship advice
Park Care Centre’s seniors, Cobber and Anna Wilson, boast 63 years of marriage.
Understanding, patience and love were highlighted as factors that continue to enrich Cobber and Anna Wilson’s 63-year-old marriage.
Speaking at Park Care Centre in Parktown North on July 7, the couple said they have been inseparable since 1963.
“We were engaged for three years before getting married on July 24, 1963. From the beginning, we got along and knew we wanted to be around each other until we grew old together,” said Cobber.
He noted that he and his wife met in Zimbabwe, where they had their three children. Unfortunately, their daughter passed away.
“We moved to South Africa when our children were teenagers because we thought there were better opportunities not only for us but for our children’s education as well.”
Anna noted that she hardly fought with Cobber because their communication was strong,
“We sort out any difficulty we have by tossing a coin, which always helps. Another good ingredient for a healthy and long-lasting relationship is that you have to know and understand your partner as well as have a sense of humour.”
The couple advised other couples, especially the young ones, to talk things through and stay the course.
Park Care’s 49-year-old marriage
Anton and Valerie van der Tuin are also an example of a couple at Park Care that has stood the test of time.
Smiling while recalling a fond memory, Anton explained that he married his wife a few months after meeting her in Craighall Park 49 years ago.
“We met in January that year and married in May; it was definitely love at first sight. I was attracted to her beauty, blonde hair and bubbly self.”
He added that it was a blind date that was set up by their mutual friends, whom they remain grateful to to this day.
Valerie admitted she was underdressed for the date because she was bored with the many blind dates she had been on.
“I was attracted to his intelligence and the conversation we held. I could listen to him speak the entire day.”
She concluded that prayer and her relationship with God helped her come this far in her marriage and navigate the tough times encountered.
