A Lake Albert couple had plenty of cause for celebration earlier this week when they defied the odds and reached their 60th wedding anniversary.
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Neville and Elva Harrison celebrated their diamond anniversary on Thursday; a milestone they never thought they would reach after Mr Harrison became extremely ill with a particularly aggressive cancer.
The family was so concerned that Mr Harrison would not make it to the big milestone that they reached out to the Queen’s office last year and arranged for her to send the customary congratulatory letter a year early to fulfill Mrs Harrison’s lifelong dream of receiving a letter from Her Majesty.
This week, the couple received another letter of congratulations from the Queen as well as well-wishes from the Prime Minister, Daryl Maguire, and Peter Cosgrove.
Looking back on their six decades of marriage, Mrs Harrison said there were so many memories of love and family that still stood out clearly in her mind.
“When we first met, he said he thought I was a snob and I didn’t like him after that,” Mrs Harrison joked.
“But then he asked me out, and he sold his motorbike so he could buy my engagement ring.”
I'm trying to make it for you, I'm trying to make it to our 60th.
- Neville Harrison
After 60 years and five children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grand children, the couple also had some invaluable advice to share with those pondering the secret to a successful marriage.
“You know what I would tell the young people? Sorry is not a hard word. A lot of people find it hard to say sorry,” Mrs Harrison said.
“You do have your ups and downs like anyone else, and we don't always agree, but this is a very special time because not everyone gets here.”
There was more good news for the family when a recent trip to the doctor revealed Mr Harrison’s cancer had disappeared after he completed his course of radiation therapy.
Daughters Toni and Kerrie Harrison said the whole family was over the moon at the good news, and were convinced Mr Harrison had taken a lot of strength from his long and loving marriage.
“We thought that within a year we were going to lose this dear old man, it just stunned us,” Toni said.
“The most amazing thing was probably about three months ago when Dad said to Mum: 'I'm trying to make it for you, I'm trying to make it to our 60th’," Kerrie said.
