A golden love story, 50 years in the making
They agreed growing old together was a gift to cherish, and in their golden years, spending quality time was a blessing.
It was the year 1968 in the quaint town of Witbank, when Julius Caesar Thomas met the love of his life, Cecile.
“It was love at first sight,” said the smitten Julius.
A year after meeting, the lovebirds tied the knot on September 26, 1969 and 50 years on, Julius and Cecile still affectionately hold hands and exchange loving glances.
“She did not make it easy for me! I had to woo her with boxes of chocolates and bunches of flowers,” recalled Julius with a smile.
“She insisted on only Quality Street chocolates,” he added, while Cecile sat beside him blushing. “I was a ‘wild one’, always partying and getting into fights. She tamed me,” he joked.
Although, they do not have any photographs of their wedding day, they both reminisced and held onto the memory.
The two relocated to Newcastle in 1972 and became the proud parents of four children.
“Our first son was born with spina bifida. He lived for about three years before sadly passing away.”
Through their trials and hardships, the two emphasised trust, listening and helping each other along the way was key to a strong relationship. With both of them religiously inclined, they said putting God at the centre of their union played a great role in their love and family lives.
“Communication is also very important,” added a coy Cecile.
After moving to Newcastle, Julius was employed at Iscor (now known as ArcelorMittal), as a production superintendent. He held this position for more than 26 years before retiring in 1999. Cecile had the toughest job of them all. She was a stay at home mom who supported her children and was a good wife to Julius.
As their children ventured out in the world, Julius and Cecile became proud grandparents to nine grandchildren, and are also great grandparents to two.
After retiring, Julius occupied his time with odd motor mechanic jobs and assisted his daughter and son-in-law with their pool business.
As the years rolled on and ill health accompanied old age, Cecile (74) suffered a stroke while Julius (76) developed a heart condition. Cecile needed to be nursed back to health, which meant Julius had to take on the role of caregiver.
“In sickness and in health we will be together,” said Julius.
They both agreed growing old together was a gift they cherished, and in their golden years, spending quality time was a blessing.
“Our children take care of us now; they visit every so often.”
Julius and Cecile celebrated their golden anniversary last year at an intimate get together surrounded by friends and family. When asked what their secret to a long happy marriage was, they both smiled and unanimously said, “compromise.”
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