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Queen of my heart

By GEORGE HENRY, STAR WRITER

Myrtle and Leonard Cohen - george henry

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON:

THE FLAMES OF love for Leonard and Myrtle Cohen of Sanguinettie in Clarendon were lit on January 8, 1958 and after almost five decades the flames are still burning.

The couple met at Silent Hill in the parish when Leonard was 25 years old and Myrtle was only 19. Leonard told THE STAR that when he popped the question to his wife for her to marry him, the answer he was looking for was not received until two years after, as Myrtle left Silent Hill and went to live in Kingston during that time.

However, after spending two years there and never having a husband on her mind, Myrtle left Kingston and went back to the country to live. Leonard, who got wind that she was back, went back to Silent Hill in search of Myrtle and found his queen who had been absent and the answer he had longed for finally came.

Since then the two have been living happily ever after, just as some story books would say. Their union has produced five children, Patrick, Verona, Marie (Joy), Merrick and Paul.

Leonard said their years of togetherness have been challenging but the two have been able to fight the challenges with courage and with the help of God who has been guiding them ever since they tied the knot.

"Life was really hard when we got married, but the good thing is that we did not get married because of what we had then. We got married out of love. So despite everything because love was there and still is, we have been able to continue."

Although the couple has seen several marriages breaking down over the almost five decades that they have been together, they told THE STAR that theirs has worked because of love. Leonard, who is a deacon in the New Testament Church of God in the community, also said communication has played a significant part in helping to make their marriage work.

Myrtle said communication is a major factor in the life of married couples, because whenever it (communication) exists both can trust each other and can help things to work better.

The two were quick to say that they have had differences over the years and that teeth and tongue have met on several occasions. However, they made it clear that it has never taken long for them to make up as they have God in their lives.

Lead by example

Leonard said the birth of his children has helped to keep his marriage together, as he and his wife have tried their best to live a life which they can emulate. He said he has always been careful to lead his family by example and that has helped all his off-springs to win the respect of many inside and outside of their community.

The couple had a word for those who have plans to get married in the future. Leonard said couples should not get married because of material things. He noted that as soon as material things disappear the marriage will start to deteriorate and persons become unhappy.

He said marriage is built on love, trust and confidence and especially if there is no trust then couples should not get married to the one who one claims he or she loves.

As for Myrtle, she said couples should seek to know God before they get married, as the love of God makes marriages work. She said couples should also pray together because when they (couples) are joined in holy matrimony they become one flesh.