Wedding vows are a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. Yet more than half of all marriages end in a divorce. And let alone to surpass north of the 50 year mark is nothing short of miracle.
This is a love story between a New York Princess, Louise and her Filipino Sailor, Zack. “It would not work,” said the naysayer. Even if it did, other circumstances were stacked against them such as the lack of acceptance of interracial marriage, after all we’re talking about the 1960’s. Traveling to three different states and against all odds, Zack and Louise were able to find a courthouse in South Carolina that eventually married them on January 10, 1962.
Through the gamut of life and with each venture that takes them to different parts of the country from Alaska, Ohio, Hawaii and eventually settling down in California after raising three wonderful children, their love never fizzles. What made their marriage work while others have failed, you might wonder. The answer is surprising simple; love, commitment and respect they have for one another. They never take their love for granted and always are thankful for having each other in their lives. They make time for each other and are committed to spending time together. As a matter of fact, they have never spent a day apart from each other since he retired from the Coast Guard with a rank of Commander. They had differing view points, varying attitudes and belief systems, yet this loving couple respected each other’s opposing views and even found humor in their source of contention.After trials and tribulations, Zack and Louise not only silenced the naysayers, they are catching up to even George and Barbara Bush. Zack truly believes that the woman of his life, who truly believed in him, was indeed his soulmate and his destiny.
Let’s all raise a toast to the perfect couple, Zack and Louise. May their love continue to flourish and happy 58 years Strong and Counting!
Love,
Thea Chavez and Family
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Thea is our daughter in-law, married to our son Carl
