St Michael's People

Roger and Jo Neal

A Reflection on 40 Years of Marriage  

This month we celebrated 40 years of marriage and by way of making it special we decided to renew our wedding vows. Three years ago we retired and relocated permanently to France. Discovering that there was an Anglican church in the Gard was the icing on the cake. This weekend we were able to celebrate with our new friends and our thanks go to Jenny Deverill for making it such a wonderful occasion. 

We were only twenty-one years old when we married – certain of our family said it wouldn’t last. We had been to school together and school romances aren’t supposed to last, are they? 

We have had our ups and downs throughout the years, as has everyone. We have argued (perhaps I forgot the bit where I promised to obey!) We have raised two children together, worried together, and laughed together. 

A young couple who had lived together for several years once asked us why we had felt the need to go through a marriage ceremony for what was essentially just a piece of paper. I would say that it has been far, far more than just a piece of paper. It has been the security of knowing that we can face whatever life throws at us as a team. That security helps you not to give up at the first hurdle. The young couple are no longer together. 

As we grow older and are now on a pension, the vows of ”for richer or poorer” and “ in sickness and in health” are probably yet to be tested, but  would we do it all again?............Well, we just have !!  

The Church celebrates this success and wishes Roger and Jo many more years together.