Mr. and Mrs. Thomas (34 years)

Our First Date

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High school sweethearts, Carolyn and Joseph Thomas met at church, where her dad was the pastor. These sweethearts did not start off that way! In fact they really disliked each other. Their first date happened as a favor to Joseph's best friend. Carolyn's cousin was going on a date with Joseph's friend but she did not want to go without Carolyn. In order to make this date happen, Joseph's friend paid him $10 to take Carolyn to the movies. What started out as favor to a cousin and best friend turned into a heartwarming love story!  The two sealed the deal on June 9, 1979. Thirty-four years later and they are still 'dating'! **The best $10 ever spent!!!!**

State/Country of Residence: * Oklahoma / USA

Ø What qualities did you see in this person that made you want to marry her? Carolyn: He was tenderhearted and caring.

Joseph: I saw that she would make a good mother.

Ø How do you keep the romance going? What are some things that you enjoy doing as a couple? Sometimes he writes love notes on my bathroom mirror.  I also tell him when he needs to buy me flowers...and he does!

 

Ø What is your favorite part of marriage? Laughing and talking and also our friendship.

Ø What is the most important aspect in a marriage to make it successful? Keep God first, know each other, and support each other through all times.

 

Ø Life often throws many curveballs, and those that make it through those tough times stay together. How have you dealt with stressful times that arise? Keep an open mind and remember the wedding vows.  We signed a contract but we made a vow to God.  Oh, and Joseph goes fishing. LOL!!

Ø Marriage isn't always a cakewalk. What advice can you offer newly engaged couples when disagreements occur? Fight about the issue at hand.  Don’t fight about the past, the parents or the family. 

 

Ø What do you see as the strengths of your marriage? Faith, friendship and love.

Ø Joseph, what do you LOVE about Carolyn? Everything!!!

 

Ø Carolyn, what do you LOVE about Joseph? I love his charisma.

Ø What advice would you give newlyweds? Always be honest with each other.  Don’t see, hear, or believe everything someone says about your spouse.  Marriage is a ministry; it’s about you meeting the needs of your spouse. 

 

Ø What song best describes your marriage?  

Joseph: Never Would Have Made It Without You

Carolyn: Because You Love Me