Toti couple celebrate 60th anniversary
Peter and Peggy Sheppard's love story began in Zimbabwe when Peggy went to town to meet a date who eventually stood her up.
COMMUNICATION, patience and love for one another have endured throughout Peter and Peggy Sheppard’s decades-long marriage. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary on April 25.
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Their story began in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) after Peggy went to town to meet a date that eventually stood her up.
“We were supposed to meet at Royal Cafe in Salisbury, and my date didn’t show up. While very upset about what had happened, I met Peter who saw how upset I was and offered to pay for my transportation back home,” said Peggy.
As the saying goes, the rest was history as they kept in touch and ended up dating. Soon after, they moved to Johannesburg and then to Durban where they married a few months after dating – Peter was 21 years old and Peggy was 19. After getting married, they moved back to Rhodesia and had two children, a daughter and a son, before returning to South Africa and settling in Amanzimtoti 46 years ago.
Peter said communication, patience, and understanding are key to a successful marriage. Like any other couple, he said the journey has not been easy, and there have been some tough times that they had to endure.
“It’s so easy to get a divorce these days, which makes people not want to work on their problems. My advice to married couples is to be honest and talk to work things out,” he said.
Peter played rugby in his youth, while Peggy liked reading and socialising. The doting pair has three grandchildren. The couple’s son, Marc, and his wife, Mandy, wished them well on their milestone.
They said the road has not always been smooth for them, and there have been many obstacles and rough waters to navigate along the way.
“But through their undying love and commitment to each other, they have always come out on top. Happiest of anniversaries, Mom and Dad. You’re not only an inspiration to your siblings, but you epitomise real love and the true meaning of saying, ‘I do.’ Here’s to wishing you many more,” said Marc and Mandy.
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