Secret to Six Decades of Love

When The Preserve at Palm-Aire residents Henry and Claire recently had to make a new plan to celebrate their 60^th wedding anniversary after their cruise was canceled, the Engagement and Dining teams at The Preserve at Palm-Aire joined forces to turn the community’s sky lounge into a romantic “date night in."

Recalling their 50^th anniversary, celebrated in grand style, Henry planned and executed a big surprise party for Claire, inviting the whole family. He rented a charter bus to pick them up from their homes, complete with an open bar. Many relatives flew to Florida from New Jersey and elsewhere to surprise Claire. Henry chuckled at the recollection, and quite pleased with the outcome of his effort added, “Shockingly, no one told Claire! It was amazing to be able to surprise her in such a special way.”

Despite today’s need for social distance amidst COVID-19, Henry was once again determined not to let their milestone of 60 years of matrimony go uncelebrated. 

Asked about their secret to such a long-lasting love, the couple instantly caught each other’s eyes and said, almost in unison, “communication and compromise.”  

“I am so glad we took the time to do this,” said Claire of the date night in. “During tough times, it’s important to remember how fortunate we are and to focus on the positive. We consider ourselves blessed to have each other.”