A love that lasts a lifetime
ACCORDING to Arthur Hawken, there are three beautiful things in life: when you get married, when you move into your first home, and when you bring your first baby home.
Arthur and his wife Shirley have accomplished all three and reflected on those times fondly as they celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on Thursday, September 7.
The pair met in 1943 when they were working at a Sanitarium factory in Cooranbong, NSW. Arthur was 21 at the time and says it was love at first sight.
“She was standing in front of me and I thought, ‘God, that’s a lovely lady,’ so I went over to my roommate and said, ‘I’m going to marry that girl.’ He said I was very optimistic but I told him ‘what I plan on, I succeed’.”
Six months later Arthur and Shirley were getting ready to say their ‘I do’s’ to each other, surrounded by friends and family in the small town of Cobbora.
The ceremony took place at Arthur’s parents place with celebrations continuing at a local hall where guests were treated to a big feast courtesy of Arthur’s sister. It wasn’t long before the couple welcomed their first child into the world, with another three to follow. Their fourth child, Sharon Joy, sadly passed away at the age of one due to an atrial septal defect.
“It was a terribly sad time, she looked so well but underneath it all you don’t know what’s going on,” said Shirley.
The couple have lived in different places throughout Australia and made the move to Dubbo four years ago due to Shirley’s health condition.
“Shirley needed special care and (Orana Gardens) is high care. I was living on a farm between here and Dunedoo and moved here 11 months ago to be closer to Shirl. I come up every day to see her. We won’t lose each other, she’s my little beauty.”
Arthur believes the thing that’s kept their marriage so strong over the past 74 years simply comes down to being loyal to one another and having faith.
“We had a purpose in life. Neither of us drank beer or smoked or gambled and we were both loyal to each other. We both have a high regard for our creator and we look to God every day for guidance and protection and for a good life to live.”