Four senior couples at the Gardens at Stevens relived the joy and excitement of their wedding day and renewed their commitments to each other.
The couples, celebrating a combined 197 years of marriage, renewed their wedding vows at the facility. The special ceremony, held among family, friends, staff and fellow residents, was officiated by Reverend Timothy L. Craven of Mellingers Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stevens, PA – a longtime volunteer at the facility. The Reverend expressed his feelings about being a part of the momentous occasion, saying, “It’s about embracing these relationships and giving these inspiring couples the opportunity to renew their sacred vows and to display their love and commitment to one another.”
Mary &Â Henry Rehlich, both residents at the facility and who recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, shared their secret to lasting love and a happy marriage, “You got to remember, the more time you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it will become.”
Richard & Suzie Bennett renewed their vows after 52 years of marriage, Suzie shared, “for Richard and I, it’s always been about honest and being kind to one another.”
Harold & Arlene Graybill point to their faith and going to church as the foundation of their lasting love.
As for Bill &Â Judy Sweigart, they say, “There’s no secret here, we just get along, and tell each other we love each other a lot.”
“Too often people assume that when a loved one is placed into a Long Term Care Facility that their days of a meaningful and productive relationship are behind them,” says Tracy Nunemacher, Activities Director at the facility, “These couples remind us that love can endure and even flourish through even the most difficult challenges and adversity.”
