Anniversary through adversity

Joanne and Alf are celebrating 60 years of a fulfilling marriage. 188773_01

By Rowan Forster

A Pakenham couple has surmounted the odds, a cancer diagnosis and a stroke to celebrate 60 long and fulfilling years of marriage.

Joanne and Alf Spierings were dealt bad hands after their retirement – but through love, grit and determination the two are set to share an embrace to tick off six decades.

Joanne, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer after already having overcome cervical cancer, explained how she and Alf survived a series of unfortunate events.

“Our life has been turned upside down in the past five months,” she said.

“He was my carer 15 years ago when I had cervical cancer, then he had a stoke eight years ago so I have been his carer, and now I have cancer again.

“I can’t look after him anymore.”

Fortunately, the two took up residence a stone-throw from one another, in Evergreen Retirement Village and McGregor Gardens.

While Alf receives constant nursing care, the couple still see each other almost every day.

“I bring him here whenever I can,” she added.

“We see each other just about every day and if he can’t come here I go there.”

The couple believe the secret to a long, fulfilling marriage is to settle differences as they arise – and never sleep on grievances.

“If you have any difficulties and different ideas; talk it over and don’t go to sleep being angry,” Alf added.

“It’s got to be give and take.”

They were drawn together by their love of travelling Australia, gardening and living on the farm.

Together, they raised two boys and two girls – all of whom are working in professional careers.

Joanne and Alf officially celebrate their anniversary at the end of the month.