A walk through the maize fields of Springs started a love story that would span 60 years. Johannes (79) and Francina (76) Olivier have been married since January 1964.
For Johannes, it was “love at first sight” when he met the fair maiden on his way from work one day. Endearingly known as Fransie and Hans, their daughter, Francina, narrates their love story.
“Fransie was on her way to buy milk, and Hans was returning from work. They had a quick chat.”
Her father summoned up the courage to ask Fransie’s father if he could start visiting her.
“They started dating in September 1963, got engaged in November 1963 and married on January 11, 1964.”
When asked what her parents love doing the most together, Francina says praying together in the mornings and evenings has been a favourite for the couple.
“Every Saturday, they go for their weekly breakfast. They also love going on holiday.”
Hans, who says he is too young to stop working, always sends Fransie flowers on their anniversary.
“He is a very romantic person.”
The most beautiful memory of their union is the birth of their six children. Through their children, they have 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Hans and Fransie say forgiveness and prayer are the cornerstones of their successful marriage.
When asked what they love about each other, they are quick to share a laugh and say ‘God’ and that they still find humour in everything.
“Their love for the Lord is what they love most about each other.”
Sixty years of marriage is no small feat, which Hans and Fransie admit.
They say that keeping the communication lines open and not fretting about the small stuff in life has been the greatest challenge in their marriage.
They regret nothing and leave words of advice for younger married couples, and Francina recites them like a mantra.
“It is easy to give up and back out of a marriage, but couples should remember, you make a covenant with the Lord the day you get married.
“Covenants are not meant to be broken. Just as the Lord forgave, we should forgive.”
