Some love stories are written in the stars, while others are written on the fields of sports clubs and the laughter-filled gatherings of friends.
Tom and Anna Swart’s journey is one of love, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to fun and family, which has spanned 50 years.
Tom, now 74, was the third oldest of six brothers, growing up in Edenvale.
A popular and charismatic person, people knew him for his sharp wit and knack for giving people nicknames that seemed to stick forever.
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He attended school in Edenvale and later played first-team rugby for the Edenvale Sports Club.
He was someone who could always bring a smile to those around him.
Anna, now 68, was the second oldest of four children, three girls and a boy.
She spent her early years in Germiston before her family moved to Kempton Park in the early 1970s.
Sport was a big part of her life, and along with her sisters and her cousin’s wife, she played soccer, practising at the Edenvale Sports Club.
It was at one of these soccer matches that fate stepped in.
In their first year of playing, Anna’s team made it to the final, and Tom, alongside a friend, came to support her cousin.
The team won the match, and the celebrations continued at their coach’s home.
It was there that Anna first noticed Tom’s sparkling blue eyes and irresistible sense of humour.
From that moment, they were inseparable. A few months later, they were engaged, and early the following year, Anna married her blue-eyed prince.
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Their wedding day was nothing short of a fairy tale, with flowers, confetti, the perfect dress, and the love and support of family and friends.
Anna’s parents ensured the day was the most special occasion of their lives, setting the foundation for the many joyful years that followed.
The newlyweds settled into their first home in Kempton Park and had three beautiful children – two boys, Phillip and Jaun, and later a daughter, Lucinda. As the years passed, their family grew.
Phillip had a son, Marko (14), Jaun had two daughters, Daniella (22) and Jaunique (19), and Lucinda had a son, Jayden (19), and a daughter, Claire (13).
Their children forged their own paths, with Phillip settling in Springs, Jaun moving to Australia, and their beloved Lucinda finding her home in heaven.
Throughout the years, the Swart family cherished holidays, from camping and caravanning trips to grand adventures in Namibia, Namaqualand, and Australia.
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These travels brought them closer, filling their memories with laughter, discovery, and lifelong friendships.
Of all their experiences, one of their most cherished was their time living in the Strand, a chapter in their lives they hope to revisit soon.
Their home was always a haven for friends and family, brimming with warmth, laughter, and endless gatherings.
Whether it was a spontaneous sleepover or a lively celebration, there was always room for one more. Though many of their dear friends have since become angels, the spirit of joy remains.
Today, their gatherings may be fewer, but the fun continues with darts, yard tennis, and a refreshing swim in the pond for the adventurous ones.
Through the decades, Tom and Anna have learnt valuable lessons. They believe in making time for fun, sharing a glass of wine, and dancing when the moment feels right.
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They understand the importance of knowing when to walk away and when to hold on. Most importantly, they believe no matter what life throws your way, everything is fixable.
Their story is not just about love but about embracing every moment with joy, laughter, and resilience.
And perhaps, soon, they will find themselves back in the Strand, creating new memories in the place that holds many of their happiest moments.
