On our wedding day<\/p>\n
Once Pete was out of the rehab centre, he took me for dinner in the city, and a kind waiter read us the menu.<\/p>\n
Soon, friendship blossomed into love.<\/p>\n
Our connection felt so genuine none of it was based on looks; it was about our energy and personalities. Pete was always making me chuckle with silly jokes, so I knew he was the one for me.<\/p>\n
As hed had vision in the past, he would tell me about things I never knew.<\/p>\n
When youre speaking to someone, its important to look at them. It lets them know youre interested in what theyre saying, he said.<\/p>\n
After four years together, Pete and I got married.<\/p>\n
Moving in together, we put braille labels on things to help us out.<\/p>\n
My confidence definitely encouraged him, but Petes determined attitude meant he usually wanted to work things out for himself.<\/p>\n
Living without vision had its challenges, though.<\/p>\n
One time, I got home to Pete boiling some cabbage for dinner. But instead of salt, hed poured powdered Ajax all over it!<\/p>\n
Eventually, Pete got his first guide dog, Jasper, who made such a big difference. Our ambassador, he helped us socialise and led us through life.<\/p>\n
Wanting to help others, we set up a charity, travelling the world and supporting blind kids from disadvantaged areas.<\/p>\n
David, Winsome, Pete and me<\/p>\n
We also went on to have our own children, Winsome and David. Id often put the kids on a rein and attach them to me, so I knew where they were.<\/p>\n
My sister-in-law, Jenny, guided me through things such as changing nappies and feeding, so that I could gradually do it alone.<\/p>\n
I would sometimes get covered in the kids mess though!<\/p>\n
At bedtime, instead of reading books to them, Pete would make up incredible stories.<\/p>\n
We also had a regular support worker, and I joined a blind mothers club, where I learned a lot.<\/p>\n
To clear up after the kids, I was taught to shut them out of the room and feel around, putting any toys in a big bag.<\/p>\n
When I dressed them, Id work out what colour an item was by feeling the texture.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, Im sure their socks were mismatched!<\/p>\n
As they got older, our golden rule was that if we called their name, they had to answer immediately so we knew where they were.<\/p>\n
Over the years, I wished I could see their faces change.<\/p>\n
When they brought home schoolwork, Winsome and David would take our fingers and carefully trace over their words or drawings.<\/p>\n
They helped me at the supermarket too, but sometimes theyd take full advantage of my low vision.<\/p>\n
Do you really need all of those lunch wraps? a checkout lady asked one day.<\/p>\n
Id asked Winsome to grab a pack and she cheekily piled about 50 into the trolley!<\/p>\n
Pete, Kobie, Gracie and me<\/p>\n
Pete, Kobie, Gracie and me<\/p>\n
Winsome, now 52, and David, 50, have both gone on to have their own children.<\/p>\n
How did you both do it? Winsome often says in awe.<\/p>\n
Pete and I both have a guide dog I have Gracie, and Kobie is Petes. Theyre smart animals and make a big impact on our lives. If I lose Pete in the supermarket, Ill say to Gracie, Find Pete, find Kobie, and shell work her way around the store until she finds them.<\/p>\n
Gracie and Kobie enable us to experience so much; simple things like going for a coffee or enjoying a walk.<\/p>\n
Pete and I have been married for 55 years now.<\/p>\n
Like any marriage, weve had our ups and downs.<\/p>\n
Pete sometimes quips, Love is blind, but marriage is an eye opener!<\/p>\n
But we both know we are so lucky to have each other were kindred spirits. <\/p>\n
Support Guide Dogs Australia by walking for theirPawgustcampaign.<\/p>\n
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See the original post:<\/p>\n
Love is blind - meet the Aussie couple who have been married for 55 years - That's Life!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On our wedding day Once Pete was out of the rehab centre, he took me for dinner in the city, and a kind waiter read us the menu. Continue reading