There is a forty-eight percent chance that African-Americans who marry before the age of eighteen, will breakup within ten years. (Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Five months after MY 17th Birthday, I married the love of my life.
- Five months after MY 71st Birthday, WE celebrated OUR 54th Anniversary.
When Hubby and I married, on April 11, 1960, few believed the marriage would last past the first year.
OUR marriage lasted for fifty-four years because WE spent the first two years in Germany. Separated from family and friends, I couldn’t pick up the telephone or run home after an argument. I couldn’t even go to another room. We had to work out our disagreements, absent the advice of others.
Our First Two Years
Hubby unable to find a job, enlisted in the Army. Six months later, He was assigned to a base in Gonsenheim, Germany. Within four months, I joined him. Because of his rank, PFC (Private First Class), We were not eligible to move into military family housing.
Hubby rented an apartment on what was referred to as the German Economy. We lived in a one-room, third floor apartment and shared the bathroom with another military couple who lived across the hall. There was no hot water, no bathtub, a dorm size refrigerator, a coal stove for heat, and a hot plate to cook on. I soon adjusted to living without a television; and fell in love with Our transistor radio. The one English-speaking station was Our only entertainment. During the day, We listened to mostly country music. But, every night, We anxiously waited for the half-hour mystery, cowboy, and comedy shows.
The first six months were the most difficult. Hubby was assigned to work on the base for 24 hours every other day. Even though I had the radio and Our Little Girl, I missed the face-to-face communication with an adult. The other people who lived in the building were friendly but there was a language barrier. Though there were three women living in the apartment building, they did not speak English.
Later, we met other military families; and I became friends with a few of the women. However, we rarely communicated. We didn’t have telephones, cars, or access to public transportation; and, this pretty much ruled out any “quality time spent with the girls.” So I learned to value and appreciate every minute spent with Hubby.
During those first two years WE built a strong foundation which solitified Our marriage. Our teen-age love developed into a strong friendship and even a stronger love for each other, which has lasted for more than fifty-four years. Hubby is not Only the Love of My Life, He is My Best Friend, the Father of Our Three Children and the Grandfather of Our Five Grandchildren.