Finding a Love to Last a Lifetime

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN –Their love has lasted through distance, hardship, loss, addiction, and, most importantly, the test of time.

They have worked, raised children, doted on grandchildren, seen other relationships come and go, traveled, dreamed of travels, worshiped together, served their country and had plenty of fun along the way.

They’ve been together in the best of times and the worst of times, and even after more than five decades together, they simply dream of more time sharing the lives they have built side by side.

With a week to go before Valentine’s Day, three Powhatan couples – each with more than 50 years of marriage under their belts – agreed to talk about their lives together and why their unions have stood the test of time. Their stories aren’t big flashy romances – although they have shared plenty of romantic moments – but ac counts of walking through life with someone they could love and depend on. Rather than claiming to know The Secret to making a marriage last, they simply shared their stories, for better or worse. This is a two-part series to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Read more stories in the Feb. 15 edition.

Pat and Ray Dewey

Married since: Aug. 24, 1968

Together since: 1964 First impressions: When 21-year-olds Pat and Ray met on a blind date, he thought she was the greatest thing he had ever seen. At the time, he was living and Richmond and attending the University of Richmond and she was a student at Longwood University.

“I came to Richmond for the weekend with a friend who promised us hot blind dates,” Pat said. “I thought he was obnoxious. But, the evening wore on, the party wore on, and all of a sudden he started looking really good.”

At one point that night, Ray leaned his head over and told Pat, “you know I am going to marry you one day.”

“I said ‘you are just drunk and don’t know what you are talking about.’ Famous last words,” she said with a chuckle.

The One: There was a great deal of pride in Ray’s voice when he said he “sewed it up pretty quick.” He knew within about a month he was willing to “work my butt off to make it happen.”

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