Features

Love and understanding

Reginald (left), and Osalee Lindsay - Leighton Williams Photo

WHEN OSALEE LINDSAY suffered a stroke in September last year, it became a test of endurance for her marriage. Now, 10 months later it would seem that Osalee and her husband Reginald have passed that test as her misfortune has seemingly brought them closer than ever.

The Lindsays, who live in Waterford in Portmore, St. Catherine, have been married for the past 33 years, having exchanged vows on January 2, 1971. They describe their marriage as one of love and understanding.

It was that love and understanding that was severely tested last year. "That's when I realised what the vows meant," Reginald said as he held his wife's right hand. "That was when I realised what for better or for worse meant because we have stuck together and we have lived with it."

Osalee said on the night of the stroke her husband was on hand to take her to the hospital. He has also been by her side as she recovers. "For better or worse and that's what we did, because marriage has its ups and downs," Osalee remarked.

She told THE WEEKEND STAR that she had lost all movement on the right side of her body. Although she can now move her feet, she walks around with the aid of a walker.

Playing 'footsie'

For the duration of THE WEEKEND STAR's visit Reginald frequently took his wife's hand, or used his feet to play with hers. With a twinkle in his eyes he recalled when they first met. He said he used to see her as she passed his way while they lived in the Kingston 2 area. He said he finally developed the courage to approach her, and a year later he was married to her. "From the first time I saw her I knew she would be my wife. We were living in the same community and I always admired her," he said.

Osalee had different thoughts back then. "I never thought that he would be my husband as I wasn't thinking about that," she said. "But he was very convincing and we got married a year after we met."

The couple have one child together although both have a total of five children. They said the key to their marriage has been love and understanding ­ two ingredients which have drawn them closer to each other over the years. "We have our disagreements, yes," Osalee said, "but we have always been able to work it out because you must have rough times and bad times."

But the bad times seem to pale in comparison to the good times. Reginald told THE WEEKEND STAR that prior to his wife's conversion to Christianity they would often go out together. He said they still went out together but this time it was mainly to attend church.

"I go to church but he only comes with me sometimes as he is not a Christian. But, we do a lot of things together and have fun together," Osalee said.

However, there is no perfect couple and for the Lindsays the imperfection takes the form of Reginald's love for dominoes. "Him love dominoes. Every night him leave out to play dominoes, but that's the only problem I have with him," Osalee said.

Still, the former stevedore and dressmaker say they hope to renew their vows when they celebrate 50 years of marriage. At that time they hope Osalee will be strong enough to sew her own wedding dress.