Emily Scarlett anchoring/reporting
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A couple in West Michigan is celebrating nearly 80 years of marriage. 13 ON YOUR SIDE visited them at the home they’ve been sharing nearly all that time to get the scoop on their secret to ever-lasting love.
Robert and Betty Jensen were married in 1945.
“Never go to bed angry. Always kiss each other good night and tell them you love them,” is just one of the tips Betty shared.
She said they were married, “when we were 17 and 18,” not long after the two met just steps away from where the interview took place.
“Well, he was out here plowing with some horses, and I thought he looked so nice, and he used to have a lot of curly hair,” said Betty, smiling.
Robert was born inside his childhood home on the same street where he lives now, shortly after his family migrated from Copenhagen, Demark. He and his wife now live down the street in a home that Robert built 75 years ago.
“I always figured why were so happy and God kept us together. God comes first in our home,” said Betty.
The two held hands throughout the interview while sharing their secrets to success.
“Love changes different than when you’re a teenager or a young person getting married. It grows stronger,” said Betty, before adding, “And you have to always remember to forgive people because sometimes things happen, and they don’t mean it to be that way.”
She also said it doesn’t hurt to look your best.
“When I get up in the morning, I get up in the morning before he gets up. I like to and I get showered, and I always get my hair fixed and I don’t have a robe on. I always dress,” said Betty, further explaining, “I always try to look as good as I can.”
In the video, you can see Robert shaking his head in agreement.
“She’s a beauty every morning,” he said.
He’s not a man of many words.
“She answered about all of it right there,” said Robert.
Betty said, “I’m the talker. He’s very quiet, very easy to get along with, very seldom ever seen him get ugly or mean.”
He did share a small bit of advice.
“Just agree with everything,” said Robert, laughing.
He's a man who shows his love not just with words but with action. He’s a carpenter, who built homes for all three of his children.
Susan Goyings is their daughter. She said, “They’ve just been such an example,” speaking of her parents as she described how active they are even in their 90s. “Dad mows lawn, mom drives, and they keep their own house up pretty much.”
“For an old couple, I think we’re doing pretty good,” said Betty.
Her final words of advice, “Each one gives 100%, it’s not 50%. Each one gives 100 to make it a good life.”
At 96 and 97 years old, the two are living on their own.
They said they've never been smokers or drinkers.
They also said after living this long, they've seen a lot of good and bad. They’ve lost a son and a grandson, but said that their love has only grown stronger through it all.
Both of their living children have been married for more than 50 years.
1 фев 2024
