Features

Reid all about love - Linda and Norman's diamond treasure

Linda and Norman Reid share a tender moment. - leighton williams

WHEN LINDA AND Norman Reid got married on May 9, 1945, there was no fanfare or fancy planning. The only two things that they had working in their favour was their love for each other and a sunny day." Maybe that's why our marriage lasted so long because the day was sunny and not rainy. If rain fell it would have meant bad luck. But, it was a sunny day and although we were poor we loved each other," said Linda Reid.

It was against that background that they exchanged vows before a small crowd of family members and a few friends at the Ulster Spring Baptist Church. The officiating minister was a Pastor Reid and with his blessings they returned to Albert Town where they still live.

The couple has never lived outside the south Trelawny district although travelling abroad on a few occasions. Linda who was the more talkative in the interview said she and her husband knew each other from they were at school. They said they eventually grew to love each other and were soon living together before they got married.

"My father loved him when he saw him. He was kind to him and thought he was the right one for me," said Linda.

Good wife and mother

Norman who was a farmer told THE WEEKEND STAR that one of the qualities he admired about his wife was how she looked after him and his children. In total, the couple had 15 children, seven of whom are still alive.

"She has been good to me and I love her because she is kind. She also looked after me and the children," he said.

The feeling was mutual for Linda who said her husband worked hard to provide for her and the children. She said he never left her side and cared for his children.

"He didn't make me go and beg. He was always there. We were poor but he worked hard to make sure we had something to eat and a roof over our heads," she said. Both husband and wife are 93 years old although Norman is a month older. But, they were almost separated four years ago when Norman was severely chopped by thieves after they broke into the couple's house. However, the couple has overcome that obstacle.

"I would say to anybody that you must be good to each other and try your best to make it work and care for your husband as that plus God and love will make it work," said Linda.