85 Years and Counting

Reading about this couple, Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, I couldn't help but share their story as well as their words. The Fishers have been married for a record breaking 85 years.

In honor of Valentine's Day, Twitter set up a Q&A with the world's longest married living couple. Having been married for 85 years, I'm sure there are quite a few things we can learn from them.

1. Q: What made you realize that you could spend the rest of your lives together? Were you scared at all?

A: H & Z: With each day that passed, our relationship was more solid and secure. Divorce was NEVER an option - or even a thought.

2. Q: How did you know your spouse was the right one for you?

A: We grew up together & were best friends before we married. A friend is for life - our marriage has lasted a lifetime

3. Q: Is there anything you would do differently after more than 80 years of marriage?

A: We wouldn’t change a thing. There’s no secret to our marriage, we just did what was needed for each other & our family.

4. Q: What is your advice to someone who is trying to keep the faith that Mr. Right is really out there?

A: Zelmyra: Mine was just around the corner! He is never too far away, so keep the faith

5. Q: What was the best piece of marriage advice you ever received?

A: Respect, support & communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest & true.Love each other with ALL of your heart

6. Q: What are the most important attributes of a good spouse?

A: Zelmyra: A hard worker & good provider. The 1920s were hard,but Herbert wanted & provided the best for us.I married a good man!

7. Q: What is your best Valentine’s Day memory?

A: Zelmyra: I cook dinner EVERY day. Herbert left work early & surprised me – he cooked dinner for me! He is a VERY good cook!
Herbert: I said that I was going to cook dinner for her & she could relax - the look on her face & clean plate made my day!

8. Q: You got married very young – how did u both manage to grow as individuals yet not grow apart as a couple?

A: “Everyone who plants a seed & harvests the crop celebrates together” We are individuals, but accomplish more together.

9. Q: What is your fondest memory of your 85-year marriage?

A: Our legacy: 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

10. Q: Does communicating get easier with time? How do you keep your patience?

A: The children are grown, so we talk more now. We can enjoy our time on the porch or our rocking chairs - together.

11. Q: How did you cope when you had to be physically separated for long periods of time?

A: Herbert: We were apart for 2 months when Z was hospitalized with our 5th child. It was the most difficult time of my life. Zelmyra’s mother helped me with the house and the other children, otherwise I would have lost my mind.

12. Q: At the end of bad relationship day, what is the most important thing to remind yourselves?

A: Remember marriage is not a contest – never keep a score. God has put the two of you together on the same team to win.

13. Q: Is fighting important?

A: NEVER physically! Agree that it’s okay to disagree, & fight for what really matters. Learn to bend - not break!

14. Q: What’s the one thing you have in common that transcends everything else?

A: We are both Christians & believe in God. Marriage is a commitment to the Lord. We pray with & for each other every day.

This definitely warmed my heart. Where are the people who think this way today??