Love still strong after 70 years of marriage
"She's still the love of my life," Allan Houston said, looking lovingly at his wife of 70 years.
Waikato couple Allan and Shirley Houston married in 1946 on December 28, and they are preparing to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.
They are age 91 and 92, but their love for each other has never grown old.
Allan's eyes sparkle when he talks about her, and the excitement in Shirley's voice as she re-tells their story is genuine.
What's her advice for a long-lasting love?
"Do everything together."
And Allan's advice?
"Do what you're told," he laughed.
They met in Whanganui in February 1945 while Allan was in the air force. They were engaged by May, but had to postpone their wedding twice because they could not get a house.
"The men were all coming back from war so there were no houses," said Shirley.
"At the time my mother asked me why I was getting married in between Christmas and New Year, but when a house became available we had to grab it, and that was the best time to get married."
They have been by each other's side ever since.
After several moves between Hawera and New Plymouth they moved to Hamilton in 1980, then to Cambridge in 2000.
They now live with their youngest son Craig on Cambridge Rd.
Shirley grew up in Hawera in Taranaki, so preferred the small-town lifestyle that Cambridge had to offer.
She was in the land service during World War II and worked in various chemist shops until she retired at age 58. She took up golfing and Allan joined her.
He also coached the senior ladies marching team she set up in Hamilton, and she joined him in the 70 Plus Highlanders Pipe Band.
Allan has been a bass drummer for more than 60 years, and at age 80 Shirley decided she would join as well.
"I picked up some sticks and away I went, I was always musical so I knew I could do it.
"That's just another example of something we did together.
"We wouldn't be together if we weren't still compatible," she laughed.
They agreed long marriages are becoming rare, and that they are proud to set an example.
"People split up after the first argument. Communication is big. Talk to each other, help each other and respect each other," said Allan.
Written by Emma James. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz. Image credit: by Emma James/Stuff.co.nz.
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