Still Together
Names Mervyn and Betty O'Brien
Date 1st June 1968
Place of Marriage St Christopher's Cathedral Manuka ACT
How we met Through our tennis club.
Was it love at first sight? No. It took a while to decide as I (Betty) had 2 children to think of as well.
Who proposed and how? Merv proposed on Christmas Eve.
How and when did you know he/she was the one for you? Merve knew in a few weeks. Betty took longer to make up her mind.
How much did your wedding cost? I (Betty) made the wedding cake and decorated it. We catered for it and held it here at home, as we didn't have much money.
How many children/grandchildren do you have? 6 children, 11 grandchildre, 5 great grandchildren.
What is your favourite thing to do together? We share our work and time together. We go to aqua aerobics and play tennis.
What is the best thing about marriage? Someone who you can share things with.
What is the best thing about your husband/wife? Being able to share, discuss our problems and make decisions with.
What is the hardest thing about marriage? Having to depend on someone, when you have both become independent.
What was the best piece of advice you have been given about marriage? Discuss problens together and never go out or to bed angry without a reconciliation.
How do you keep the 'spark' alive in your marriage? By showing affection for each other, and telling each other you love them, and show it
What are the keys to your successful marriage? Having patience and over looking things sometimes.
If you had one piece of advice to give couples soon to be married what would it be? Make sure your partner is your best friend always.
Other comments? Enjoy your time with your children and grandchildren and take one day at a time.
A note from Betty: I was married before I met Mervyn. I was married for less than two years when my husband died. I had a little girl - 14months old and was 2 months pregnant with my second girl.
After 6 or 7 years I met Merv, who was single. When we married we had a lot of adjusting to do, as we were both independent, and Merv could go his way on his own, now he had a ready made family so it wasn't easy for him.
We adopted the two girls into his name, so we could have all the children as the same family. We had 4 more children. We came across a lot of trouble from my in-laws when we adopted the girls, also my mother lived here in a flat at the back of our house, so we had a few obstacles ahead. But thank God with his help we overcame all.
The most important thing for couples is your partner has to be your best friend, so you can talk things over and sort out differences. We also do all our work around the house together and play sport or whatever we do together. 
It is hard at times for two people, who are completely different to get on at all times. But with patience and understanding and hard work, it can be done. It is something you have to work at, to have a good marriage, so don't give in when times get tough, keep trying.
As well we have God in our lives which I couldn't do without him. If you have trust in him, he will help us. We both share the same religion.
I hope our story can help someone as it isn't easy for things to always go smoothly.