Beating The Odds In Marriage: Celebrating 74 Years
INDIO – These days the average length of marriage in the United States is 7 to 10 years, and more than 40 percent of marriages end in divorce. However, one valley couple has beat the odds, as they celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary.
” I liked him right away,” says Charlotte Salazar, Indio resident.
Seventy four years ago, Roy and Charlotte met at a dance here in the valley. Charlotte was 18 and Roy was 24.
” He was a good dancer and I loved to dance,” says Charlotte.
” I was dating and dancing with anyone I could,” says Roy.
After watching a romantic movie one night, the couple eloped. They became Mr and Mrs Salazar on August 12th, 1934. They has been dating only a month.
” Someone got married in a movie we were watching. After the movie I asked her if she would like to get married,” says Roy. ” We got married just like that.”
That impulse decision resulted in lasting love, along with 4 kids ,6 grand kids and 4 great grandchildren.
The couple says, through the years, the valley and the nation changed dramatically and so has their relationship.
” Later on it’s not really about love. It’s like a piece of your own,” says Charlotte. ” You grow closer and closer.”
With 74 years under their belts, the Salazars have been through it all. They have a lot of advise to offer to those of us with a little less experience.
” Patience, patience. Be very patient and understanding,” says Charlotte.
” Live and let live,” says Roy.
However, this isn’t Roy’s only tip. He says simply ignoring each other works sometimes, too.
” Just plug your ears so you don’t hear anything,” says Roy. ” Just forget about it. Let it go in one ear and out the other.”
“You have good times and bad times, you have to learn to live with the bad ones and the good,” says Charlotte.
As the years pass, the Salazars say their bond continues to grow. Turning the young love struck teens into life long companions.
” After time, it’s like you are one person,” says Charlotte.
