Do you celebrate every month of knowing your true love? Well that’s exactly what Ida and Russell Halsted – residents at Waltonwood Lake Boone – do. While they celebrate their yearly anniversary, they also take time each month to celebrate the exact day they got married because it means so much to them. The couple met around Memorial Day weekend in 2007 while they were both getting their oil changed. Ida was divorced and Russell was a widow. When Russell walked in, he saw Ida sitting down reading the paper and decided to start a conversation with her. The conversation went so well, he knew he wanted to go on a date with her. He was heading out of town to visit family, so he got her number and promised a date when he returned. Fast forward about five weeks, the duo went out on their first date and felt an instant connection. The rest is history. Less than a year later the couple said “I do” on June 19, 2008.
“I never thought I would get married again or have a serious partner, but then I met Russell and my life changed,” said Ida Halsted. “I honestly thought he couldn’t be real because he was the perfect man. At first all I did was flirt because I had never met anyone like him before. He was a worthy person to love, and I knew I wanted him to be in my life. We built our relationship around honesty and trust. I never thought I would meet my true love while getting my oil changed, but I am so thankful I did.”
To honor their love, Ida and Russell celebrate the 19th of every month. Whether it’s going to a movie, out to eat or Russell writing a personal poem to his bride, they find ways to recognize the commitment they made to one another more than a decade ago. This month, the couple will have a double celebration as they celebrate Valentine’s Day as well. Russell says he knows they will never have a 50-, 60- or 70-year anniversary, that’s why it’s important to show how much they love one another every single day.
“It’s important to honor the love you have for one another as often as possible, that’s why we celebrate our love every month and not just on our anniversary,” said Russell Halsted. “This month we will celebrate 140 months together as a married couple, and they’ve been the best months of my life. We are still planning how we will celebrate, but now we devote our days to staying active at Waltonwood Lake Boone and showing how much we love each other each day. We do go through ups and downs, but if you remember to never go to bed angry at each other you will have a successful marriage and life.”
“Ida and Russell have an undeniable love that is evident in how they act and treat each other,” said Allison O’Shea, executive director at Waltonwood Lake Boone. “Their love story is inspiring and gives hope to those who are looking for a lifelong partner. We love seeing them together while at the community and know they will have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebration, as well as honoring 140 months together. They are truly amazing people, and their story reminds us that love conquers all.”