Couples say 'I do' at St. Albert retirement home
On Friday, couples at the St. Albert Retirement Residence had the opportunity to renew a special commitment.
The residence organized an event for couples to renew their marriage vows. St. Albert residents, Bob and Vicky Dodd, had the opportunity to renew their vows after getting married on Nov. 12, 1955. The two met in a rural community and said the key to their long-lasting marriage is love and respect for one another. Despite being married 65 years, the couple said their marriage has gone by surprisingly fast.
“Actually, it has gone by very quickly when we look back. You know life has been good to us,” said Vicky Dodd.
Vicky and Bob experienced hardships throughout their marriage, including the loss of their two daughters.
“We had crop failures -- all kinds of things happen, disappointments, and we’ve lost our daughters,” said Vicky.
Lori Kary, employee of All Seniors Care, said the couple is a true inspiration. For many of the residents, the ceremony was emotional.
“Just love in general, you think about your partner and some of them have passed on. It brings back a huge flood of memories.”
With the help of The Foundry Room, an event venue in Edmonton, the St. Albert home received decorations for the special occasion.
“We partnered with the Foundry Room. They donated all the decorations that you see today. We also had Sweet and Savory Catering donate the cupcakes and cake,” said Kary.
The residents have all received two doses of their COVID-19 vaccine. By practicing social distance, pre-plating meals, wearing masks and keeping the capacity to 30 per cent, the event was made a possibility for those living in the home.
“This last year and a half has been really tough. With restrictions easing up this was just a beautiful way to have a party and celebrate love,” said Kary.
The couple signed a vow renewal certificate although the celebration was a mock renewal.
“It is amazing how the community can come together and support each other,” said Kary.
When asked on what advice the married couple would give newlyweds, Bob and Vicky said it takes the dedication to work through problems.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
WATCH LIVE 'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.