We got each other. We enjoy the changing of the seasons. – Alice Armstrong
Sunrays cast a glow on a black-and-white wedding photo inside a historic home in Claridon Township as a love story continues to shine throughout all of life’s seasons.
“Yes, everyday is like Valentine’s Day,” said Alice Armstrong, of her and husband, Burton “Bud” Armstrong’s marriage. “We just enjoy each other.”
The couple is the fifth generation on a 97-acre farm living in a house that is preserving much more than their heritage.
Alice was 15 and Bud was 17 when they first met in study hall at Burton High School.
“We sat across from each other and always got in trouble for talking,” Alice said from her wheelchair as they both laughed at the dining room table. “He’d be in one corner and I’d be in another corner.”
Bud added, “Might be better to leave some things unsaid.”
Then a double-blind date with Alice’s girlfriend set up Alice with Bud after he graduated that fall.
“My girlfriend said, ‘I’ll trade you’ and I said, ‘No thanks,’” Alice recalled.
More dates soon followed in Bud’s black 55 Ford, which had a yellow interior and panoramic windshield, as they cruised through Geauga County.
The couple married June 4, 1960, at the then Claridon Methodist Church and have celebrated their love every since.
“Every season I’ve done it,” Alice said, referring to her neatly arranged Valentine’s Day decorations adorning the table. “I refuse to stop.”
Soon, Dawn Farrell, one of the couple’s three daughters, and her husband, Mike, who live next door, arrived with their two small dogs.
Mike helps his father-in-law with farm chores. These include the popular art of maple syrup tapping — which is marked by a maple-inspired barn quilt on the Armstrongs’ century old barn. Bud’s brother, Larry Armstrong, also helps take the lead in syrup tapping each year.
Burton E. Armstrong Sr. was winner at the 1966 Geauga Maple Festival with his syrup being sent to President Johnson, and inducted in 2001 to the Geauga Maple Syrup Hall of Fame. Burton was inducted to the 2007 Geauga Maple Syrup Hall of Fame.
“Dad and I walk the woods together a lot,” Mike said.
When Dawn was 5, her mom was in a horrible car accident.
“She was in the hospital for quite awhile, and then when we were bringing her home, someone backed into us and she had to go right back,” Dawn said.
From injuries sustained during that accident, many more surgeries over the years followed.
Alice has no motor skills from her waist down following surgery about eight years ago. Doctors were only five minutes into operating when Alice suffered a spinal cord stroke.
“When they first brought her back, she was a quadriplegic and by the time we were finally able to see her, she was a paraplegic,” Dawn said. “She went in walking and came home in a wheelchair.”
Dawn added, “Through it all, they (her parents) have even grown closer, maybe because they realized how quickly things can change and how important it is to cherish every moment. It’s hard to put into words what they have, but when they look at each other, it’s clear to see how in love they still are.”
The two often finish each other’s sentences.
“When Dad had a stroke a year ago and was in the hospital, she was so upset she had a literal ‘broken heart’ heart attack,” Dawn added. “We ended up with them in the hospital at the same time and have a precious photo of them holding hands there.”
Alice quickly turned to look at Bud.
“I don’t feel right when he’s not around,” Alice added.
It is easier for family and friends to visit them.
Gwen Evans has been friends for 59 years and lives next door.
Her late husband, Abner, and Bud were best friends.
“Anybody will tell you they are the most wonderful couple,” Evans said, who just made Bud a coconut cream pie for his birthday. “They are very special people. Always together … I can’t even begin.”
Dave Fisher, Alice’s cousin, and his wife, Linda, enjoy short road trips together with the Armstrongs.
“When you see them look at each other, they have a special twinkle in their eyes saved only for each other,” Linda Fisher said. “They are truly in love.”
Now-a-days, the Armstrongs enjoy some evenings taking turns watching favorite TV programs, a Hallmark movie or RFD-TV.
“They have always put each other first,” Dawn said.
Framed family photos surrounded the room.
“He is my guardian angel,” Alice said. “I appreciate him so much.”
They both turned again to look at one another, then away.
“Whenever dad leaves, they always kiss,” Dawn said. “Sometimes he tries to walk out the door without kissing Mom and she’ll call out, ‘Did you forget something?’ He turns around with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye to give her a kiss. No, he didn’t forget, he enjoys the dance.”
Dawn said she feels blessed.
“We grew up knowing we were loved, knowing our parents loved each other and enjoying the security that brought — whether we realized it or not at the time,” Dawn added.
The couple shared more laughs and memories, and later names of favorite songs by Johnny Cash and The Statler Brothers.
“If you didn’t laugh sometimes about what happened, you’d go bananas,” Alice said, as her hand reached to touch her neatly coiffed hair.
Grandchildren call Alice “The Sparkle Grandma.”
“If you wanted to look good for him before, then you should want to look good for him now,” Alice said.
Bud chimed in quickly, “She’s a good looking lady.”
The conversation then paused.
“I am extremely blessed,” Alice said. “Whatever problems in your life you have, you can look around and still count your blessings.”
As Valentine’s Day approached, Alice said it’s the little things that matter and Valentine’s Day is the time to reflect over the years.
“I love red roses,” Alice said. “Bud cuts them from our rose bushes and brings them in and oh … Spring Beauties from the woods … I just love him.”
Bud nodded.
“Yes, time went by a lot faster than you think,” he said.
The couple both looked back at their wedding day photo.
“We got each other,” Alice said. “We enjoy the changing of the seasons.”
