50 years and still finding happiness

3Fifty years ago today, a blushing young bride from Rhode Island and a Navy man from the mountains of Virginia defied their critics and emerged in a snowy blizzard walking hand in hand down a red carpet extending from the alter to the limousine parked in front of the church after they said their vows. Jean and Wilbur Ferguson were married in a chapel in Providence, R.I. on Feb. 14, 1959.

"Evening shadows make me blue when each weary day is through. How I long to be with you, my happiness," were the words from the couple's song played at their

reception and words which resonated throughout the couples marriage. The song "My Happiness" sung by Connie Francis took on a deeper meaning for the young love birds when during their courtship, Wilbur's ship was sent to Philadelphia for five weeks and the couple was separated. The lyrics became phrases written on first love letters and later birthday cards, anniversary cards and even after 50 years the couple still looks lovingly into each others eyes and whisper, "My Happiness."

"Every day I reminisce, dreaming of your tender kiss, always thinking how I miss my happiness. A million years it seems have gone by since we shared our dreams, but I'll hold you again."

It was an unlikely union and an even more unlikely meeting. "I was going with a guy in the Navy and he brought him to my house," said Jean. "Behind my back he told that guy that he could date me. I really didn't even like him at first, but he was persistent and kept coming around."

"A million years it seems have gone by since we shared our dreams, but I'll hold you again."

Six months after meeting, at the ages of 18 and 22, the couple knew they were destined to be together and wanted to marry while Wilbur was still in the Navy. "I picked Valentine's Day because I thought it would be romantic," said Jean.

The union wasn't celebrated by all. The young couple's skeptics said they wouldn't last five years and Wilbur's family wasn't overly excited he was marrying a Yankee city girl.

"We sure proved them wrong," the Ferguson's laughed as they exchanged a knowing glance. They admit it wasn't always easy but their love and respect for one another carried them through the tough times. "Wilbur's health has been declining the past five years and I am thankful to God for every precious day we have together," said Jean. "We are two soul mates, forever."

"I tell everybody, she is my sweetheart," said Wilbur.

"There'll be no blue memories then, whether skies are gray or blue, any place on earth will do, just as long as I'm with you, my happiness."

Song lyrics to "My Happiness" by Connie Francis