Behavioral Health
Aug 10, 2024

Celebrating Love - Dick and Patt

Celebrating Love - Dick and Patt
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To celebrate Valentine's Day, we asked community members to share their thoughts on love, marriage, and romance. For this special feature, we spoke with Dick, a GetSetUp Community Host, about his 54-year relationship with his wife, Patt. Married for 49 of those years, Patt and Dick’s enduring love is a testament to the beauty of a lifelong partnership.

A Love That Grew from Friendship

When asked how they met, Dick reminisces, "Patt was the college roommate of the girl next door (literally) from home. I got to college, I realized that the girl next door had become 'somebody else,' but then looked over her shoulder and thought, 'Hey! I wonder who that is?'"

This chance meeting blossomed into a love that has stood the test of time, with the couple continuously finding ways to connect and support each other.

The Little Things That Make Love Last

When Dick describes what he loves most about Patt, his answer is simple yet profound: "She's the kindest, most gentle person I've ever known." It’s this deep respect and admiration that have fueled their relationship for over five decades.

They both believe that Valentine’s Day isn't confined to just one day. As Dick shares, "We both agree. Each and every day is Valentine's Day with us! It sounds trite, but I guess it's just the way we are."

For Patt and Dick, love is reflected in the small, everyday gestures.

"The little things we do for each other all day long, every day. We don't have 'assigned tasks.' We just do whatever needs doing around the house/yard. And, we help each other out whenever and however we can," says Dick, emphasizing the importance of mutual support in their relationship.

A Shared Life of Learning and Growing Together

Their love story is also about shared experiences and growth. One of the skills Dick has learned from Patt is gardening, a passion they both nurture as Master Gardeners. Together, they’ve cultivated over 1,300 hosta plants, turning their garden into a lush oasis.

GetSetUp has played a significant role in their continued learning and connection. Dick, who is also a GetSetUp Community Host, shares his knowledge and experiences with others through the platform, particularly in his session on Dealing with Diabetes.

For those looking to understand the essence of love, Dick recommends reading The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran and 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13. And when asked to describe love in one word, his response is: "Contentment."

Patt and Dick's journey is a beautiful reminder that love, at its core, is about the simple joys of daily life and the shared experiences that make each day brighter. Through GetSetUp, they continue to learn, grow, and inspire others, proving that love and lifelong learning truly go hand in hand.