Brian and Thelma Grant have shared a lifetime of happiness and the loving couple wouldn’t have it any other way. 78611 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
NOT many people can say they met the love of their life at 13, but for Brian and Thelma Grant no truer words could be spoken.
The pair met as shy teenagers when they began working at the same factory in Footscray but it wasn’t until they locked eyes again four years later that their romance blossomed.
Six decades on and the Sunshine couple are as in love as the day they were married.
Mr and Mrs Grant celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 8 March surrounded by their family – and what a family at that.
The proud pair have 10 children, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, the youngest only three months old.
And Mr Grant, 77, believes it’s the large family that has kept he and his wife happy for so many years.
“The children have really made our family,” the great-grandfather said.
“We’ve always had a good relationship and a lot of understanding.
“A lot of people didn’t think we would last, that we were too young, but we were very much in love.”
Mrs Grant puts the key to their success down to dedication and loyalty.
“We’ve always remained close, in sickness and in health. It’s never been hard work for us.”
The 77-year-old said she often sits and looks at the couple’s wedding photo and can’t believe they walked down the aisle 60 years ago.
Of course the walls are plastered with family photos. Generations of children grace the mantlepiece and for the Grants, this has been their greatest achievement as a couple.
“Motherhood was my whole life and being a grandmother is even better. Being so close to everyone, we just love it.”
