Jerry & Betty (almost 70 years married!)

They met young. Betty's father had noticed how hard working and bright Gerald was and said to his wife "we better let her marry him while she has sense enough to."

So after a year or so of courting and Jerry working hard in Alaska they got married on February 10th 1943. Betty was just 16 at the time.

Betty said, "I wore my pajamas on my honey moon....Well....Not for long!"

For those who don't know these two Jerry & Betty are very quick witted and hilarious. Just one of the many attributes so many people adore about them. In talking with them I have learned so much about what a marriage can be if you work at it.

You would never know it looking at them now but there was a point where Betty wanted to call it quits early on in their marriage. However, the good Lord did an amazing work in both of their hearts and well as you see it has worked.

Jerry was in the Air Force during those first years they were married and flew over 50 missions over Southern Europe as an Engineer Gunner on a B24. It was amazing hearing their stories.

While reminiscing I asked them what their best memory was and she said with tears welling in her eyes "The day he came home from the war."

Jerry said, "The birth of our children." It is amazing to me the love they have for their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Jerry & Betty have three children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren! Definitely a big family.

Something that Betty said made me smile (ok a lot of what they said made me smile) but this has stuck and she said "He made it difficult for me not to love him." I just adore this statement. When around these two you can certainly see the love. You can see clearly Jerry loves his wife so much that he would lay his life down for her just as Christ did for the church and how much Betty looks up to Jerry with such respect and devotion. There were times during our photo shoot that I was just teary eyed looking at Betty as she looked up at Jerry with such glee and excitement as if she had JUST fallen in love. They are just absolutely adorable.

I couldn't help asking them questions and here are few with their answers:

What is the best part about being married now?

Betty: "He takes care of me and we have such comfort and ease. He makes me feel safe and we are both blessed enough to be healthy."

Jerry, what is Betty's best quality? "Loving her grandkids."

Betty, what is Jerry's best quality?  "Patience." as Jerry chimes in with a "Thank you Lord!"

At this time Betty looked over at her eldest child Gayle and says with a big smile and with humor, "What do you think our best quality is besides having you?

Gail smiled and simply said, "love."

What do you feel God has blessed you with most? Unanimously they both said "laughter."

"Humor is a staple in our marriage." Jerry stated.

Of course I had to ask if they had any advice for the newly weds or anyone married and they said:

"Stick it out!" No one else can share in your special memories with your children like your spouse."

"It gets better as the years go."

 (I must add that they did emphasize sticking it out but not at the cost of your physical well being.)

I have to say that this trip over to see Uncle Jerry & Aunt Betty had to be one of the best trips there to date for us. We have had quite a few over there since my husband and I had first been married almost 9 years ago but watching them play with our babies and crawling on the ground with them and hearing all these stories of what they were like and how they have overcome so many obstacles in their relationship (Things that today so many divorces happen over) made me so happy to hear. It reinforced what I know will be for my husband and I if we "stick it out" through all the trials that come our way.

I also learned that pretty much every one calls Jerry & Betty's house "THE happiest place on earth" They were even given a plaque from a family member that says this and it is displayed in heir home. It truly is the happiest place on earth. Not because of all the toys and state of the art stuff but because when you walk through those doors you can feel the love bursting at the seams and there is an acceptance from Jerry & Betty that no matter who you are, you are absolutely loved. They give additional meaning to the song that says "Love is in the house and the house is packed. So much so I left the backed door cracked."

I am beyond blessed for getting to marry into their family and be able to get to know Jerry & Betty so well. My family is blessed by their love and example.

I hope you can see the love they possess in the photos on this blog and please share their story of hope and that marriage can work. Jerry & Betty are living proof!

Jerry & Betty were crowned the Senior King & Queen of Wenatchee and were in the Apple Blossom parade this year.