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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-02-09, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2000. PAGE 13. Independence key to success of 60-year marriage For life Lyle and Alice Brothers have definitely shown they know what commitment means. The couple celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss in December, and remain what they have always been each other’s best friend. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Marriages begin full of hopes and dreams, a time when rose-coloured glasses seem the only way to view what lies ahead. But life has a way of interceding and its challenges can test even the strongest relationships. Yet, today when 50 per cent of all marriages end in divorce there are couples who have maintained the magic. Alice and Lyle Brothers of Brussels recently celebrated 60 years together. Perhaps more importantly they remain what they have always been — each other’s best friend. “What I think is the biggest thing about a successful marriage is com­ promise,” says Alice. “Oh, yeah, we do fight,” says Lyle with a smile. “But it’s cleared up in a couple of hours and a few days later we have no idea what we were fight­ ing about.” It’s difficult to imagine this sprightly pair engaged in a marital skirmish. Charmingly affable, witty and genuine they exude calm opti­ mism even when discussing adversi­ ty. Life for them has not been with­ out its trials but they have survived intact. It was two teenagers who met that summer of 1932. Lyle had moved to Brussels with his brother who had opened a jewellery business. One night some old friends from Ushers Continued from page 12 Ushers are generally brothers, brothers-in-law, other close relatives or friends of the groom. The ushers usually attend all the pre-wedding parities the groom is invited to. Like the bridesmaids, they are responsible for providing their own clothing for the wedding. Often this clothing is rented. The groom generally provides their bouton­ nieres, gloves and neckwear. Listowel, who now lived in the vil­ lage invited the two boys for supper. There that evening too was Alice Pope. “I think maybe they were fixing us up,” admits Alice today. While it may not have been sparks” at first, spark plugs certainly played a part in their hitting it off. “My other brother had given me his old car. Alice got in and stayed there,” LyJe teases. “Well, it wasn’t everyone who had cars back then,” says his bride. Because of their tender years, the couple in those early days was not envisioning happily ever after. But by 1939, and still together, they were ready to tie the knot. The proposal, said Alice, took a little prompting, however. “You know how you take this for k\so Let Godfrey Schuett & Sons Paul and Gregory demonstrate Yamaha pianos & keyboards. Genuine La-Z-Boy recliners Bedroom Suites King Koil/Serta Mattresses, etc., etc. Free set-up and delivery to Blyth 8L Brussels &, area 519-367-2308 Brides of 2000 and former brides are invited to choose from our selection of approx. 36 two-piece chesterfield suites $749. - $2,998. Schuett's of Mildmay fjouc DENO FLOWER SHC The Squared Goderich granted after awhile. You plan to get married but there is never really a proposal. I made him go through the ritual. He was very embarrassed. I even made him ask my dad.” Her diamond, she says, was from her future brother-in-law’s store. “It was one that wasn't selling,” she says. With war looming, the couple shifted their planned June wedding date to Dec. 27, 1939. “Two days after Christmas is a terrible time to be married,” says Alice. Lyle, now 21, and Alice, 22, were married at a London parsonage by Rev. Moorehouse whom the bride had known before. The honeymoon trip was to New York to see Lyle’s “favourite” brother. “The one who gave him the car,” explains Alice. It didn’t take long for the blush of newlywed existence to be dimmed by reality. That spring, the groom left to begin his stint in the army. For his young wife it was a time of acceptance. “So many were joining up it was just part of theJi testy le.” Unlike others, however, their sepa­ ration was fortunately short-lived. As a watchmaker Lyle’s expertise made him valuable at home and he was sent on a course to learn how to repair anti-aircraft devices. The fur­ thest he got from home was Quebec and as his services might be needed any time he couldn’t stay on bar­ racks. “I was told to bring my wife and find a place to live.” The Brotherses rented a room from a family and a bond was formed. The wife, Alice says, couldn’t speak a word of English and the husband could speak very little French. Despite this they had remained together happily and raised a family of 10 children. “We learned a lot from them about compromise and giving in. They had quite an influ­ ence on us.” After one stillborn birth, in 1944 the young couple celebrated the arrival of their daughter Darlene. When the war ended they returned to Brussels and after a stint in Wroxeter where Lyle owned a jewellery busi­ ness, moved to Toronto. Alice brought her love of music to a career teaching piano and playing the organ at church. They retired to Brussels two decades ago. Their lives have been touched with sorrow. Complications in a third pregnancy resulted in the stillborn death of one twin, while the other was severely handicapped. “Dolores was not hard to look after. She was like a little baby and as long as she was fed and clean she was happy,” said Alice. Dolores passed away when she was 10. Five years ago encephalitis claimed their daughter Darlene. (They have a daughter Nancy and three grandchildren.) Despite challenges their devotion to each has remained strong. He calls her McGee, she calls him Daddy. Arm-in-arm or hand-in-hand they jP1* JBe ready for your big day Brides will receive a free consultation & trial updo before wedding day. Phone for appointment fLaininy Steads, <£ Jl/lahing, ‘Ulau-es Total Family Hair Care ~ Janice Machan ~ 650 Elizabeth St., Brussels 887-6744 Our Floral Package includes •Bouquets for the Bride, Maid of Honour and 2 Bridesmaids •2 Corsages • 6 Boutonnieres Local delivery and set up if required. Fresh or artificial flowers Packages can be altered to accommodate individual requirements. For best service please call f our consultants for an appointment. A , enjoy their daily walks and trips to church and friends. Yet, while enjoying their special bond and committed to their partner­ ship, they also believe independence has kept it strong. “It is most impor­ tant to have your own thoughts and interests and follow through,” says Alice. “We are together almost always now, but it wasn’t always that way.” Supportive of each other’s inter­ ests, Alice notes that her hobbies often took her off on her own. “That I was able to do that made things nice. It’s important to have a life of one’s own as well as the together­ ness.” The best advice for young couples starting out today? “Be yourself, be together, but not in each other’s pockets.”