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Everlasting Love - Loving Unconditionally Throughout the Years

Colliecia Wright/Media Intern



Caption: Vivian and Nora Edwards relaxing during a recent vacation. The proud parents of four children have been married for 44 years.



“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7

Often, we hear that marriage is challenging. Yet, if you speak with couples who have journeyed through the years together, they will share that, despite its challenges, marriage is profoundly beautiful.

As we embrace this season of love, let us draw inspiration from the enduring love stories that have stood the test of time. Despite facing numerous trials and hurdles, these couples continue to love each other unconditionally.

Nora Tate-Edwards and Vivian Edwards are an extraordinary couple residing in St. Thomas, Jamaica. They have been married for 44 years, and their union has blessed them with four children: three daughters and a son, all now adults with families of their own.

Despite the challenges they've encountered, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards' unwavering love has kept them together for over four decades.

How did they meet?
Both Nora and Vivian grew up in Hagley Gap, St. Thomas. Reflecting on their past, the couple admits that if someone had told them they would end up together, they would have dismissed it as fiction.

Nora shares, "He wasn't the first man I fell in love with. I had a brief, complicated relationship before reconnecting with Vivian."

In their school days, Vivian used to tease Nora, and they weren't particularly close. However, in 1977, they began to develop a deeper connection. Vivian confesses, "The teasing masked my affection for Nora."

As they got to know each other better, their bond blossomed into love.

At what age did you get married?
They tied the knot in 1980, three years after their initial connection. Nora was 21, and Vivian was 26 at the time. Vivian recalls, "We married young and without much means, so our wedding was modest."

However, on December 27, 2008, when they were more financially stable, they celebrated with a grand ceremony, surrounded by children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

How do you overcome differences in your marriage?
"We have our disagreements, but we never let them linger overnight," Nora reveals. She admits to being the more stubborn of the two, which sometimes complicates resolving conflicts.

Nonetheless, they prioritise apologising and moving past their disagreements. Vivian emphasises the importance of communication, saying, "Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. I prefer to address issues promptly to ensure we both sleep peacefully."

How has your marriage remained strong?
The couple, married for 44 years, credits their enduring bond to their faith in Jesus. Nora recalls the challenges they faced before Vivian embraced Christianity, noting a marked improvement in their relationship since.

They also stress the significance of open communication in sustaining their marriage.

What do you love most about your spouse?
"She's simply the best; I'm grateful to call her my wife," Vivian declares. While, Nora admires Vivian's kindness and care.

What advice do you have for younger couples?
"Appreciate each other's efforts and never belittle them," Nora advises. And, Vivian: “Love your partner, even in the hard times…your marriage is worth fighting for.”

Colliecia Wright, a media intern at Golden Designs, specialises in crafting press releases and blog articles. As a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology at UTECH, she is dedicated to uplifting minds through the power of words.

Comments

  1. This is a beautiful story. I pray that their latter years will be greater than their former years.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a beautiful love story.....I pray you live beyond your senior years 🙏🏻 ❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete

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