Billy and Norma: 55 years married

Norma and Billy: In sickness and in health

Norma Crowder Johnson of Fincastle writes about the blessings of a wonderful spouse:

I met Billy Johnson at the Botetourt County Fair in 1950 when we were teenagers. We dated almost 4 years and married June 19, 1954, in Mount Pleasant Church where I am a lifetime member and we still attend services there.

We are a stay-at-home couple. We enjoy riding country roads, having breakfast in one town, lunch in another and supper on the trip back home.

Billy likes buying old tractors and farm machinery, buying, selling and raising farm animals. I enjoy baking, reading, crossword puzzles and writing poetry. Together we visit the elderly, sick and shut-ins and share my baked goods. We love gospel and country music.

We are blessed with 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. We have shared much happiness and some tears.

Billy has been my caretaker for the last 8 years. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, colon cancer in 2003 and again in 2004. In 2003, I had a blood clot in my lung, knee replacement in '07 and a broken hip in '08. Billy took me to all chemo treatments, and part of the radiation. During chemo he sat by my side, holding my hand. Later I spent 3 ½ months in rehab. He visited me every day except 3 days he was sick. I am now in remission. Billy has honored our wedding vows in every way especially "in sickness and in health."

We spent most of our time going to doctors and enjoying friends and family sitting on the patio watching the deer, turkeys, rabbits and birds.

The Lord has truly blessed us as we will celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary in June.

Everyday is Valentine's Day as long as we are together. We are "in love today, tomorrow and always."

Jennifer and Erik: Communication bonds you

Jennifer Rhyne describes growing a loving family:

Though we've only been married for about 4 years, I would definitely say we've had a happy life together! Marriage definitely isn't always a cake walk, but I find it so very rewarding. Communication is key in so many aspects of life, not the least of which is marriage.

Working on communication in a marital relationship really bonds you together. That's the secret I think so many folks can easily miss. If marriage were easy all the time, what would you gain and how would you grow?

I love thinking of how we have grown over the years we've been together and all the hard work we've put in. It makes me feel like this is truly where I belong.

Now, as we expect our first child on Feb. 12, Valentine's Day is taking on a whole new meaning. I can't wait to see what's in store for our little family this year, and the years to come.

Happy Valentine's Day and remember -- nothing ventured, nothing gained!