A LONG-LIVED LOVE

At over 80 years old and with six decades of marriage under their belts, Paulina and Laurence Sciberras have much to share about their wonderful life together. Here, they take a trip down memory lane with BLISS, to reminisce about their wedding in 1961, and the fated early days that made it all possible.

PHOTOS BY TYLER CALLEJA JACKSON

Some people just make an instant impression – and what could be better than hearing their time-honoured love story?

Laurence, known to family and friends as Wenzu or Lorry, instantly proves to be quite a character – a well-read gentleman with a sense of humour that keeps him young at heart. Paulina, on her part, immediately comes across as an absolute sweetheart, earning her the apt title of ‘il-Helwa’ (the sweetie), as Laurence fondly calls and refers to her.

The couple’s story dates back to 1958, when Laurence was 23 and Paulina just 20 years old. Paulina used to visit her aunt and uncle who lived next to the local band club that Laurence frequented after work to play billiards with friends. “I used to watch him go by,” Paulina admits, implying that she was well aware of her future husband even before they officially met. It quickly became evident that the interest was mutual.

One fine day after Paulina had paid her customary visit – and just as she was walking to the bus stop to start her journey back home – Laurence caught up with her and asked if he could accompany her. In surprise she asked if he would be joining her on the bus, but Laurence suggested that they walk instead. The two hit it off right away and started going out together the very next day.

“When it came to settling down, Paulina was ready to take the next step sooner than I was, which made sense given that girls mature faster than boys,” Laurence smiles. “She came from a good family and was always very conservative, serious, and religious. She never even let me steal a kiss!” Laurence laments, as Paulina nods, giggling.

“There was no proposal – things just seemed to move along naturally and we both knew we were ready to get married.”

With siblings hovering around strategically whenever they visited each other at home – no doubt by order of strict parents – alone time was not so easy for the unwed couple to come by.

Nevertheless, the two did enjoy their fair share of romance on regular strolls through the Tal-Karmnu area of Fgura. At the time, the place was still mostly made up of fields and was a popular hangout for the local lovers who would amble back and forth in an attempt to prolong their stolen quality time.

But a sad turn of events for Paulina and Laurence was the passing of Paulina’s much-loved father, one year into their courtship. As a sign of respect, Laurence and Paulina held off on planning a wedding, eventually deciding to get married two years later.

As Laurence recalls, “Paulina’s father was such a good man, and I remember him telling me, ‘Do take care of her for me – she has never been in a relationship before.’ And with that, I felt that he had bound me.” This was clearly a commitment that Laurence took very seriously and follows through on even now.

When it finally came time for the two to make a move, Paulina says there was no formal proposal from Laurence. “Things just seemed to move along naturally and we both knew we were ready to get married.”

The weddings of the day were simple enough for all the planning to go smoothly and without a hitch.

With an impressive memory, Laurence reels off the various logistical details he and Paulina took care of as though they’d just got married yesterday: date set for

“She came from a good family and was always very conservative. She never even let me steal a kiss!”

Saturday 8th April 1961 in the afternoon, rings purchased in Valletta for Lm4 (€10), Paola church booked, Tarxien band club rented for reception at Lm8 (€20). Sorted!

As for the dress, Paulina explains that local weddings didn’t follow any particular fashion trends back then. However, she always loved dressing well and enjoyed getting her gown designed with the help of the family seamstress. Left to her own devices, she just had one directive from Laurence: not to overdo it with big skirts and fancy hats!

Luckily, Paulina’s preference for classic simplicity was very much in harmony with his. The outcome was a highly admired narrow dress with a touch of feminine lace on the front. Paulina also excitedly remembers the gold and lilac two-piece suit she wore for her going-away outfit, which conveniently shielded her from the April showers that marked the end of their big day.

Speaking of which, when asked about the highlight of their day, without hesitation and with a cheeky glint in his eye, Laurence promptly offers, “when we finally got home of course!” An unexpected response that is met with hearty laughter from all in the room, including the couple’s daughter and granddaughter – well-known lawyer and recipient of Queen’s Young Leader Award, Martina Caruana! Paulina adds that, when alone at last, Laurence made her a warm mug of Ovaltine to soothe her nerves.

More than 60 years on, the couple’s mutual devotion is as strong as ever and clearly a key ingredient in their marriage – a marriage that has led to three daughters, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren (with another one on the way!). Both attribute their marital success to patience and a willingness to compromise – but just as inspiring is the evident joy they continue to share in each other’s company.

“Regardless of our differences, all I know is that we have been together for almost 65 years,” Laurence asserts, with a final smile. Affection, optimism and a zest for life have undeniably made this couple’s marriage well worth the battle.

“Before he died, I remember Paulina’s father telling me to take care of her. And with that, I felt he had bound me.”