More “big day” trouble followed, when Arlene’s brother went to pick up her parents in Hartland. On his way back to Clarks Grove, a pheasant flew into the windshield right at his face.
“He had bloodspots all over his white shirt,” Arlene said. We sponged it off in enough time though.”
Definitely a frenzied day, they didn’t let outside forces get the best of them. And before they knew it, they were in the Smokey Mountains for their honeymoon.
“It wasn’t very fancy because we didn’t have any money,” Ed said.
Arlene added, “We are poor travelers really. We’ve only been to Hawaii, California, Texas and Florida a few times.”
They do spend a fair amount of time together in their cabin at Beaver Lake. This getaway spot also functions as a great spot for family time.
“It’s a family cabin,” Ed said. “Our kids are all involved in it. Even the grandkids and the great grandkids are coming now, so it’s more fun than ever.”
Family has always been number one for the Miller family. And, on April 17, all four of their kids and extended family gathered at Hollandale’s 3 in 1 to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
“The kids did most of the planning,” Arlene said. Ed added, “She likes roses, so I bought her 60 roses this time around.”
Although their love for each other is unshakable, their marriage hasn’t been all hugs and kisses. It’s a lot of give and take. If one doesn’t like something, they do it just because it’s important to the other.
“When cooling down after a disagreement, we’ve just realized that a person should forgive,” Arlene said.
The best advice Ed has for married couples is this: remember the promises you made when you got married. They are tough to keep, but the vows you make are unbreakable pledges.
“You just have to stay in love,” Ed said. “It’s not always easy.”
Ed and Arlene feel blessed, knowing that their marriage is the best it’s ever been. They still act like love birds, even in public.
“We are affectionate quite often,” Ed said. “We aren’t bashful. We also tell one another that we love each other.”
They never would have guessed they’d be married this long. Correction, Ed figured they would stay married that long, he just didn’t know he would live this long.
“Mom has always been a little gem,” Ed said. “I wouldn’t last long without her I’m sure.”
