LAC LA BICHE - Valentine’s Day is a special time for couples to celebrate their love and commitment to one another.
Some couples, such as John and Raymonde Tesolin from the Lac La Biche area, have been together for a very long time. On Feb. 9, the Tesolins will be celebrating 71 years of wedded bliss.
How does it feel to be married for close to three quarters or a century?
“It just doesn’t seem that long,” Raymonde said, looking back on the decades that have passed since the couple walked down the aisle in 1954.
“When we first got married, I don’t think we thought we’d last this long, that’s for sure,” John stated, with a good natured laugh.
The couple met at a New Year’s Eve Dance that took place at the old community hall in the hamlet of Lac La Biche. They enjoyed themselves that evening and started dating soon after.
“I think I wished her a happy New Year about four times,” John said of his soon-to-be lifelong partner.
After dating for just over a year, John and Raymonde tied the knot and settled on an acreage about a kilometre outside of Lac La Biche. He farmed and ranched, while his wife stayed home to raise their four children.
“I wasn’t raised on a farm, so it was quite an experience for me,” Raymonde explained.
On Valentine’s Day, many folks exchange chocolates, roses and cards, and go out for romantic dinners. However, for the Tesolins, Valentine’s Day will be a rather low-key, quiet affair, with the long-married couple enjoying time to themselves.
As Raymonde explained, the couple typically doesn’t do anything special for Valentines Day, although they acknowledge and appreciate the significance of the annual occasion.
“We recognize the fact that it’s a special day for people who are in love,” she said.
As for what the couple has planned for their 71st wedding anniversary, they will most likely get together with family members and friends for a small celebration.
John added that the couple is looking forward to doing something bigger for their 75th anniversary in a few years.
About six years ago, a large party was held at the Lac La Biche Heritage Society to celebrate the Tesolins’ 65th wedding anniversary, which is also known as the Blue Sapphire Anniversary.
The couple explained that despite taking place during a February snowstorm, their 65th anniversary celebration went very well and drew lots of family, friends, neighbours, and well-wishers.
“We had about 100 people there,” Raymonde recalled.
These days, John and Raymonde, both of whom are retired, frequently participate in activities at the Lac La Biche Heritage Society. The couple also keeps in touch with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“They visit us and have us over a lot,” said Raymonde. “We’re busy.”
So, what is the key to a successful marriage, particular one spanning over seven decades? One of the keys, Raymonde explained, includes reconciling problems and fixing them, but also compromising and learning how to work together.
“I think when things go wrong, you have to make sure that it doesn’t stay that way,” she said.
As he and his wife prepare to celebrate 71 years of marriage, John said they are fortunate to both be in good health, which is a great help.
“I think that contributes a lot,” said John.
Much of the couple’s success, said Raymonde, is attributed to the fact that her longtime significant other has maintained a very positive outlook on life.
“He’s always an optimist, and he has a great sense of humour, so that helped a lot."
