With the divorce rate extremely high, reaching a 10-year anniversary is a major milestone. Sure, some couples hit 25 years but that is the exception rather than the rule. It’s exciting to see people stay together as they grow older. That’s what one man and woman did.
Meet Billy and Nellie
Recently, this couple celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary. That’s spectacular. But even better, they both turned 100. Billy and Nellie were born in 1920 with birthdays only four days apart. So, not only did they hit a big milestone from a married perspective but also age.
High school sweethearts
While many people start dating in high school, some even going on to get married, seldom do those unions last. But Billy and Nellie beat the odds. After meeting, they didn’t grow apart. Instead, they became increasingly closer.
True love
That’s what these two had from the very beginning. Billie explained what happened the first time he laid eyes on Nellie. While driving down the road with a friend, he spotted her. He then asked his friend who she was. His reply, “Nellie Zippere.”
First encounter
Billy was immediately smitten. That’s when his friend turned the car around and made the formal introduction. The friend stated, “That same girl as a teenager in high school and marrying and staying with her for 79 years, can’t beat that.”
A big celebration
There was no way the couple’s family and friends were going to let their 80th anniversary and turning 100-years-old go without a huge celebration. After all, these are big deals. Just imagine staying with a spouse that long and enjoying every minute of being together.
Coming up with a special plan
Billy and Nellie’s family and friends wanted to do something extra special. But there was one problem. This all occurred right in the middle of a pandemic. That meant they’d have to social distance.
An amazing parade
For starters, Billy and Nellie’s family decorated the front yard. Then, other people organized a parade. As the couple looked out to the street, car after car drove by wishing them well. The vehicles were decorated with colorful balloons and adorned with sweet messages.
A heartwarming experience
Both Billy and Nellie were touched by the outpouring of love. Nellie probably expressed their feelings best by saying, “Very, very loved, for somebody to do all this work for us. I’m speechless, too, not speechless that they love me, but that somebody would go through all the trouble.”
One lingering question
Couples with a lot less time under their belts along with singles have just one question. How did Billy and Nellie succeed at marriage when so many of them fail? They had a great answer. Billy responded, “All I know is work hard, whoever you’re working for as an employee. And go to church.” To that, Nellie added, “Love the Lord.”
An inspiring story
A lot of people should listen to the advice given by Billy and Nellie. Obviously, it works. Today, the couple remains in a home they built in 1958 in the city of Magnolia Park. There, they enjoy spending days together. And thanks to everything that family members and friends did for them, they’re happier than ever.
If you want to watch the parade for Billy and Nellie, you can click on the video below. This is what devotion and true love look like.
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Source: Spotlight Stories, YouTube
