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
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.