Mervin said his favorite memory remains the Jr / Sr Prom . He said , “ She doesn ’ t even remember this .”
He continued , “ We were at the prom when our longtime friend , Christine said ‘ I bet you won ’ t kiss her ’ and then she pushed us together . That was our first kiss .”
Dianne said her favorite memory is the birth of their grandson , Tyree . She said , “ Mervin went into the operating room where Teresa was to make sure she was okay because I wasn ’ t strong enough to go . I was happy to see that moment .”
They share the memory of their trip to Kansas , both said they were delayed getting on the road and were met by a terrible accident .
“ Prayer is a very important part of our lives , especially in preparation for trips . We don ’ t just take short trips , we take journeys ,” Mervin said .
He continued , “ In all these years we have never had a bad trip and I know it is because we pray and prepare for the trip in advance .”
This year to celebrate their 50th golden anniversary the couple is preparing for a special trip .
Mervin ’ s dream is to travel to Jerusalem and the Holy Land to see everything he has read about in the Bible . On their 40th anniversary , he surprised Dianne with her dream trip to Hawaii .
Mervin said , “ I try to make her cry happy tears and surprised her at church that was a good memory .”
Dianne said , “ We didn ’ t have the money or time to go on extended vacation 50 years ago , now that we are both retired we enjoy creating those fun memories together .”
The couple shares many memories and an everlasting love for one another that we pray will last for many more decades to come .
February 2023 | Valdosta Scene 27