84 years on this happily married couple share their secret to lasting love
When Thomas Howard was just a little boy, he fell in love with the girl next door and knew he would spend his life with her.
''I was only about nine then and when I first saw Irene I thought, 'what a lovely girl, she's going to be my girl, this one' and my fondness for her grew since then," Thomas said.
It was soon after that the two play-pals became smitten teenagers, dodging jealousy and rivalries and never breaking their bond. The first time the two were apart was in 1941 when 19-year-old Thomas was called to care for troops on the frontline in World War II.
Thomas returned home safely and the happy couple were reunited. They soon moved in together and wed in May of 1945. This year, the couple celebrated their 70th anniversary.
Thomas says that, above anything else, these two things are what have kept them together through thick and thin.
''When I was a lad, I was always taught to respect women, and if you saw a female in the street or one of your teachers, you automatically tipped your hat to them, otherwise you would be in trouble," Thomas recalled. "I've always respected Irene — she's been my lifeline. I may have been wrong on certain issues and so has she, but we always make up by the end of the day."
Additionally, Thomas says he’s always grateful for what he has.
"We're still in love all these years on. I still have her now and I'm proud of her," Thomas added. "If I was fortunate enough to do it all again, I'd marry the same girl every time."
Learn more about their incredible love story in the video above.
What’s your secret to a happy relationship? Let us know in the comments below.
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