Some couples looking back on their relationship can call it love at first sight. Others reflect on the long and involved thought process that went into the serious decision to make it an exclusive relationship. Then there are some who simply realized that they had been friends and relied on each other for so long, it would only make sense to embark on a lifelong commitment never to part. That was the way things fell into place for the Leafblads of The Stayton at Museum Way retirement community in Fort Worth. Now, having been married more than half a century, Bruce and June Leafblad can say that their initial friendship has been a key to sticking together this long.
“We grew up together and can remember going to the nursery at the same church around age 4 or 5,” said Bruce. “Our families were friends; we attended the same high school; and we were always part of the same organizations and clubs. If I were president of it, she was the secretary. We’ve known each other and been best friends for more than 70 years. I’d say our parents and friends were anticipating the proposal and wedding even more than we were.”
Originally from Illinois, Bruce and June both went to college in Minnesota. They began dating more seriously once he was in his second year of seminary and she had acquired her first teaching job. June still vividly remembers the night they decided to marry, and both laugh about it fondly.
“We were coming back from a date one night, and I told him that I wanted to do something brand new that summer, something I’d never done before,” said June. “I don’t even know what possessed me to say that or why I felt compelled to let him know about it. But he looked back at me and said, ‘How about getting married?’ We were both shocked at what we’d each said, but we went with it. It was a completely spontaneous proposal and yet absolutely genuine and, frankly, expected by everyone who knew us. It really just made sense.”
Within a few months, the Leafblads were married. June recalls the overwhelming support they received from family members and friends and believes that strong support system has been vital in maintaining their thriving marriage.
“We both came from very stable families and had parents with long-lasting marriages, so we entered into ours with the same expectation – that this was going to be until death,” said June. “We both realized the level of commitment involved and understood the gravity of the vows we were making to each other and to God.”
Bruce and June agree that being intentional about developing a deep friendship and truly connecting with each other before entering marriage will keep the overall relationship strong and steady when hard times come. June believes that people can walk away from romantic flings, but something innate prevents a person from giving up on a true friend. In addition, having family members and mutual friends supporting a couple and encouraging them solidifies the commitment as well.
“Marriage is full of carefree moments and stressful circumstances, of wonderful experiences and some painful ones, too. I personally realized that marrying a man who devoted his life to the ministry would be demanding not only on him but on me as his wife, and on our lifestyle,” explained June. “However, I have worked hard to support him in every way and move where we needed to relocate over the years, including to California where our twins were born. It’s really a matter of telling yourself you’re going to hold onto your partner’s hand and never let go, even when you think you’d rather do that.”
Despite the challenges faced over the years, Bruce and June have remained strongly committed to and grateful for each other. For their 50th wedding anniversary in August of 2014, they had family and friends join them in a celebration at The Stayton community, and they look forward to many more years together.
“If you think about it, most people can’t remember a time earlier than age four, so really, neither of us can remember when the other wasn’t around,” said Bruce. “And going forward, we have no intention of creating new memories without the other one.”
“It is always refreshing to see couples like the Leafblads around campus here at The Stayton, and we all feel encouraged by their optimistic outlook and their sincere love and appreciation for one another,” said Scott Polzin, executive director of The Stayton at Museum Way. “We can learn a lot from such endearing couples who have made it through difficult times and genuinely love being married and together.”
ABOUT THE STAYTON AT MUSEUM WAY
Located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, The Stayton at Museum Way is an 11-story, three building community featuring 188 independent living residences with a variety of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. In addition to resort-style independent living, The Stayton provides onsite assisted living, memory support, and private skilled nursing for life care residents and others in the community.
The Stayton at Museum Way, a Masterpiece Living® community, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit senior living community sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that sponsors sister communities The Buckingham in Houston, Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, Mirador in Corpus Christi and The Barrington of Carmel in Indianapolis. For information call (817) 439-6936 or visit www.thestayton.com.
Images courtesy of The Stayton at Museum Way and the Leafblads