Teen sweethearts are still together

THEY met as teenagers and this year Theodore, 82, and Charlotte Ryan, 83, of Crawford, will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary.

“You could say I was the girl next door and he was the boy next door,” the sprightly Charlotte quipped, saying the couple met when they were both 15 and living in Athlone.

Charlotte said they were introduced by her sister, Elizabeth, and recalled how, when they were courting, they would take long walks around the neighbourhood.

“I was orphaned at the age of 11 and his mother died when he was 11 months old. Our early life was really tough as we both struggled a lot having to move from pillar to post.”

Their families did not approve of their relationship as they were very young.

“I got a job and moved to Salt River and he stayed in Athlone. God definitely has a way of bringing people together.”

Theodore’s chance encounter with a friend of Charlotte at Athlone station resulted in the two finding their way back to one another.

“Lizzie told me where she stayed and, one Sunday, I went to visit her.”

Charlotte said she stood on the stoep of the house she was staying in, dreaming that he would knock on her door.

“I had daydreamed for so long that when I opened the door and saw him standing there, I could not believe my eyes,” she said. “I was dating someone else at the time but as soon as Theodore came back into the picture, I knew I had to be with him.”

The couple dated for another two years before tying the knot on April 11 at St John’s Church in De Waterkant.

The couple, who have nine children, attribute their long and healthy relationship to the close bond they formed as teenagers.

Theodore said no marriage was perfect but it was important to forgive and forget.

“Our faith also helped us a lot. Forgiveness is also another component of a successful relationship. When I see her in front of me, it’s like I am seeing a piece of heaven.”

The couple plan to spend Valentine’s Day tomorrow at home on the couch, talking and watching the sports channel, which they both love.