Chicagoland

How do you stay together for 50 years?

By Catholic New World
Sunday, September 29, 2013

The following are excerpts from “True Soul Mates 2013: Couples Married 50 Years Share Advice for a Successful Marriage,” complied by Kim Boyce Hagerty of the Marriage and Family Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

What were some of the difficulties of marriage?

“There were many difficult things, but we adjusted to each other and do not feel anything was a fundamental problem. When he does something I do not like, I figure I do the same thing to him. I tolerate him as he would tolerate me. The building of our family needs four pillars. I had my job to do and he did his. I was holding two pillars to support the family and he the other two pillars. The family needed me and him, not me or him. God gave us three beautiful children in that building. I took any pain well if it was for them.” — Lucy Paik

“Learning to cook, clean, being a devoted wife and 11 months later a mother. The first year was certainly a challenge.” — Sharon Gressick

“Adjustment to married life, sharing decisions and little income to make ends meet.” — Ted Gressick

“Raising four children in Catholic schools required me to be the first mother on my block to go to work. It was hard for my husband, but my contribution made it a little easier for all of us.” — Barbara Dougan

How did you solve problems?

“Probably not correctly. We are both rather opinionated and can be stubborn.” — Jane O’Malley

“Like most people, we’d bicker for a few minutes and then arrive at solutions. We still do.” — Thomas O’Malley

“Don’t listen to other people.” — Karen Schmid

“With the help of God and my faith. My mother helped with the children and my husband was a good father.” — Ruth Wilson

What is the best part of being married?

“I love being with my best friend. I am very happy and proud of my husband and sons and their beautiful families. We have worked hard and have good friends and love travelling together.” — Karen McDonnell

“We were together in all things, but had freedom with each other to be ourselves and express ourselves. We did not try to change each other’s ways.”— Richard Jaros

“Togetherness. Having each other. Knowing somebody is always there.” — Edward Stahoviak

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