An Alaska couple celebrated 70 years together at the beginning of this month. Their marriage shows the power of commitment even in the tough times.
Donald and Luella Haralson were married in their home state of Oklahoma after World War II. Donald’s career as an Air Force officer took them to Italy, Germany, Japan and all over the U.S. They retired in Alaska, to be close to grandchildren.
70 years of marriage is a milestone to be celebrated — but even more poignant is the story of what endures after age and disease have stripped away everything but the marrow of a life shared: commitment.
Donald is 91. Luella is 94. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about five years ago. These days, she sometimes doesn’t recognize her son or husband. She forgets conversations as she’s having them.
Don is his wife’s primary caretaker. They employ no professional nursing help. It is Don who rides the unpredictable waves of dementia alongside his wife. He cooks breakfast for her and helps remind her who he is when she forgets. He takes her to lunch most days and listens to her when she’s scared and confused, which is often.
For Don, marriage after 70 years means living up to words he uttered at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Oklahoma City on their wedding day back on June 1, 1947.
He said, I told the minister that as long as we both shall live, I will try to take care of her, in sickness and in health.