A beloved Somerset West couple, who prove to be a true example of love and commitment, celebrates their ruby anniversary last month.
Helderzicht pair Marina and Allen Sylvester toasted 40 years of marital bliss and exemplary togetherness on Sunday 3 April. The milestone was celebrated with a family lunch and traditional afternoon cake and tea on the special day.
For those who may not know, Marina is a dedicated teacher currently employed at Loreto Primary School in Strand and Allen a Somerset West native who stems from the well-known local Gordon clan. He has earned his reputation as respected entrepreneur specialising in joinery.
The couple, who lovingly stick it out in good times and bad, and through sickness and health, share a common passion driven by the steadfastness in their faith – heart for their community which they warmly serve at every given opportunity.
Their love story started as youngsters who fatefully met at Marina’s childhood home in Kuils River one day.
“It was a Sunday afternoon; I was playing piano when Allen and his father dropped off his brother, who was dating my sister at the time,” Marina related.
“His father asked me to play a song. I was wearing a mini-skirt and Allen admired my legs. Then and there he told his father he was staying with his brother, and that was the start of our love story.”
While for Allen it may have been his beautiful, God fearing wife’s legs that won his heart over, Marina complimented her spouse for his reserve and kind heart, which had her swooning. Neither have ever thought their relationship would not last.
Now, four decades later they cherish fond memories of their blessed wedding day. For Allen the day was filled with excitement, apart from his having had to check the oil in his car while dressed in his suit and wait for his bride at the altar for an hour. Marina, on the other hand, recalled feeling overwhelmed and excited, but enjoying every minute of what the day had in store.
The Sylvesters attributed the success of their union to four pillars that helped them maintain a healthy Christian marriage.
“Above all, love, tolerance, respect and communication,” shared the spouses, who believe couples of yesteryear were more sentimental when it came to tying the knot, compared to the modern-day pairs who base marriage on practicality, rationality and independence.
Marina and Allen are the perfect example of relationship success one can achieve without God as the pivot. As keen members of Church Street Methodist church, they enjoy attending services together. Marina has also been part of the church brigade for many years. Furthermore, they enjoy watching cricket, swimming and playing board games together.
They look up to various happy family couples as positive marriage role models. Allen has always admired his late parents, especially his mother’s loving nature. Marina appreciates her brother-in-law Tony Sylvester and his wife, Joy, for the love and care they show for each other. Together, they have regard for their uncle and aunt, James and Helen Sylvester, for their vested interest and concern for younger couples.
“We did not know the hard work needed in a marriage to keep the flame alive,” Marina acknowledged, imploring other couples in it for the long haul to “do things together and take interest in one another, be it work or hobbies; never try to change each other; and remember the three p’s – plan, play and pray together.”
