Courtesy of: The Morning News
Thirty years after celebrating their twentieth anniversary with their first visit to Aruba, Carol and John Slavin of Pelham, New Hampshire have again commemorated a landmark moment on the island they love best of all.
Carol and John enjoyed a favorite ritual to celebrate fifty years of wedded bliss, a dinner with their “extended Aruba family” the friends they have made sharing the beach with over the years, at the French Steakhouse in the Manchebo Beach Resort, which they describe as a ‘guaranteed great meal.”
It is hard to believe when looking at them that they have been together for 50 years, and Carol admits they were “childhood sweethearts,” married when she graduated high school. In fact, her graduation gift from John was an engagement ring. “He is two years older and was visiting some friends in the school yard, when I walked out one day,” she recalls. “Though we had been at the same school together, we didn’t know each other until then.”
“It was pretty much love at first sight,” admits John,” from the very first time I met Carol, I was smitten.”
The couple has enjoyed a full life of happiness and wedded bliss blessed with three sons, and began vacationing on Aruba in 1984, to celebrate 20 years together. They purchased a timeshare at the Aruba Beach Club during that visit, and have regularly made it the spot for their anniversary celebration, returning 15 times over the years.
Carol received two stunning jewelry ensembles as her golden anniversary gift, both purchased at their favorite spot on the island, the Sparkles shop in Paseo Herencia Mall. “Every year we stop by to chat with Roger and Juhi, the owners, they are such warm, charming people, and we always end up buying something,” explains Carol.
“They are so gracious, they surprised us with a cake during our anniversary party,” offers John. “We happen to mention we would be dining at one of our favorite standbys. Lo and behold, at the end of the meal out comes the waiter with this beautiful cake and lovely note from Roger and Juhi. We couldn’t have been more pleased. We have to say, all the people we have come to know on Aruba have been so kind and thoughtful in all our dealings. That is why it is our favorite place to vacation.”
We wish John and Carol many more happy years of nuptial joy and visiting Aruba. We look forward to reporting on their diamond jubilee anniversary!
