“Happily” can be “ever after.” Peter and Evie Kozak know this to be true.
Both were born in Alberta during the Depression.
They were familiar with hardship.
Each suffered through the death of a spouse.
What endears the Kozaks most to those who know them best is that the adversity around them did not embitter the attitudes within them.
Happily Together For Life
Their lives were lived close enough to share in each other’s milestones, but miles apart in day-to-day experience.
That is until Saturday May 25, 2013.
On that day, these two octogenarians came together to exchange vows that united them in marriage.
In front of over three hundred exuberant family members and friends Peter and Evelyn committed to love each other come what may…richer or poorer, good times or bad, sickness or in health.
The new Mr. and Mrs. sealed their vows with a memorable kiss!
Marriage is the union of two good kissers and more importantly, two good forgivers.
THE STRENGTH OF MARRIAGE
Peter and Evelyn coming together was a priceless reminder of the strength of marriage.
Marriage is about companionship, friendship, and just plain sharing life. It’s about having someone to talk to and even vent to.
As a pastor I’ve learned that the most unhappy people in the world are not those who are single and wish they were married, but those who are married and wish they were single.
How do you strike the original match?
4 Things To Fan the Flames of Love
1. Act lovingly.
Feelings always follow actions.
An unhappy wife sought the advice of a friend in how to divorce her husband.
Her husband had neglected her for work and sports for years. She’d had enough. The friend suggested that before she initiated legal proceedings she make him regret his behavior. So she advised the wife that for a whole month she should treat her husband with more love and attention that he had ever felt and then tell him she was leaving him.
A few months later she saw her friend again. She looked so much happier. Putting two and two together she asked, “When did you divorce him?” “Divorce him? I love him!”
2. Keep your vows and they will keep you.
Marriage is a covenant, secured by promises.
The vows couples make to each other create an island of certainty in an ocean of uncertainty.
No one knows what the future holds. Things change. People change. Vows mean that no matter what changes they can rely on each other. That creates their “happily ever after.”
Some say that wedding rings are the world’s tiniest handcuffs. They are more like rubber bands that when a couple pulls apart, a tug reminds them that they belong together.
3. Practice forgiving.
Forgiveness is the only way to change an unchangeable past.
To forgive is not forgetting.
Forgiving is a gift you give yourself.
Its the only way to release yourself from the hurts done to you.
4. Try kissing.
‘Nuff said.
If you don’t know how, ask Evie and Peter.
Praying all the happiness in the world into Peter and Evie! Please leave a comment for them below. Thank you.
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interesting spin on mentorship. Seriously, Peter and Evelyn are sparkling examples of perseverance, optimism, and reportedly, kissing, all goodthings to be known for…
Thanks for your top drawer example.
The Kozaks are one of the happiest couples at North Pointe, and that says a lot because there are a multitude of happy couples at North Pointe.
True widsom. Such an example to us all. Thank you for sharing your story. You can never “love someone to death”, only “love someone to life!” Nor can you kill someone with kindness.
Those last two sentences are great insights to a “happily ever after.”
Forgiving and trusting is not the same thing , forgiveness is given but trust has to be earned.
Good observation, Rick.
We are truly happy for the gift of each other, and also for our families, the host of friends and God”s many blessings. Thank you Pastor Bob for this article presenting “Fans to Keep the Flame of Love.”
Love the article on Peter & Ev. They really are an amazing couple & I am proud to say they are my friends. So sweet & I have sang in the North Pointe choir with Peter for a few years. That’s how I became friends with Peter. Great article Pastor Bob. Love it!
So nice to see Evie and Peter featured. We’ve known them both for years, and seen them at Senior’s camp, where Peter has been a featured soloist! God bless you both!
A wonderful couple throughout. I’m kinda-sorta related to them as my son is married to their granddaughter. They are both so young@heart . . . forever young.
Blessings dear friends!!
(Laren Martin)
Thank you all for your very kind words. Truly we are so blessed by the love and friendship of so many. May God bless you all. …Evie and Peter