Louise and John Dustrude celebrate 70 years of marriage
Posted September 6, 2022 at 1:16 pm by San Juan Update
Contributed photo
Shannon Dean shares a heartwarming story of two long-time islanders.
Of course I Googled it — what is the symbol for 70 years of marriage? As it turns out, it is platinum. Not what I would have thought for symbolizing 70 years together. But apparently platinum symbolizes the strength, rarity, endurance, and purity of true love. Yes it does.
I happen to be fortunate enough to be a part of Louise and John Dustrude’s lives. I first fell in like with the younger of their two handsome sons and later it was true love. I distinctly remember a conversation I had with Tim when we first started dating, and it went something like this:
Me: “You don’t really believe in true love, do you? I mean that’s just in novels and movies. It’s not something real.”
Tim: “Sure I do.”
Me: “Oh yeah, give me one example of someone you know that has experienced true love.”
Tim: (without hesitation or thought) “My parents.”
It’s hard to imagine being together with someone you love for 70 years, and still liking them, not to mention loving them. And yet these two charming people are just that — in love with each other now as much as the day they married in 1952, if not more. I have had the best fortune of being part of their lives for 24 years and can bear witness to this relationship that is as unique as the individuals that they are. If only you could sell the admiration and respect they have for one another, you would never need another thing the rest of your life. Imagine two people who laugh together, walk together, travel together, hold hands (sometimes when no one is looking) and even hug and kiss each other.
You might see them riding around town on their three-wheeled tricycles that they refer to as doodlebugs. They exude a passion for life that emanates and touches everyone who knows them. They’ve certainly touched my life and I am forever grateful they have.
So kudos, Louise and John — also known as Plucky Broad and Himself.
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Categories: Around Here
7 comments:
7 comments...
SWEEEET!!!! Way to go Dustrudes. And thank you, Shannon, for the article on this lovely couple!
Congrats! I love seeing you two on your bikes!
They are the BEST!! It’s been a privileged knowing them all these years! xoxo
Two of my favorite islanders for the obvious deep relationship they exude and their model activist involvement in countless community efforts. I smile whenever I encounter them. This is a truly heart-warming story. Thanks Shannon!
Steve Ulvi
Love this article and the lovely couple who inspired it!!!
We’ve loved getting to know them over the past three years. They’re true gems; always a laugh with a great bit of wisdom to impart.
absolutelly rare, too rare, and true! I have admired and been priveleged to know them the 40 years Sam and I have lived here. And don’t forget their incredible intelligence, skills in various areas and..HUMOR! Love their laugh and giggles; oh that we all experience such a friend and partner!
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