Elizabeth & James Hick – 60 Years & Holding

It is truly a small world. I met Ms. Liz while shooting a video project for As Not Seen on TV. As it turns out, Ms. Liz is a member of my church, Vernon Park Church of God. She was kind enough to offer her story for couples married 50 years or more. So, here it is.

She and Mr. James lived across the street from each other as youngsters. They did not know each other, but their relatives were acquainted. They connected one day with general conversation. Well, it is 60 years and four kids later, and they are still holding tight.

This lovely couple dated two years before they got married. Their dates consisted of movies, walking, dancing, picnics, parties at different houses, and church. Ms. Liz said that going to church was a requirement. Apparently, Mr. James had no problem with that because church and Sunday school are still a part of their lives. Also worth mentioning is that they took time to find commonalities and areas of enjoyment before saying “I do.”

What made their union last so long? Ms. Liz said with a reflective look and smile on her face, “He was an honest man trying to do right by his family. There was no fighting… he worked and took care of home.” They communicated their wants and needs to each other. They went to church and raised their children in church. And they both loved socializing. She remembered card parties and other gatherings held at their home, which became known as “the Happy Home.”

Advice Ms. Liz has for youngsters:
• Nobody’s perfect.
• Men and women are completely different – accept that fact.
• Compromise – sometimes you give in, sometimes you walk away and talk about it later.
• Take care of each other.

More advice from a couple who has weathered many storms for 60 years together. I don’t know if you’ll see them in other publications, but you saw them here on As Not Seen on TV.