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Peter Matika, [email protected]

DESPITE separating for 35 years, an elderly couple has proved that age is no barrier to love after a sweet, heartfelt wedding held on Thursday at the Magistrate’s Court in Bulawayo.

James (78) and Catherine (73) Ndlovu said they fell in love in the 70s but separated due to interference from family members and friends.

They worked side by side but at different companies and would always exchange glances and would occasionally engage in chirpy conversations.

James popped the question just two months ago.

James and Catherine said their affection for each other could not keep them away from each other and decided to solidify their union through marriage.

“We have always been in love. We separated for 35 years due to complications driven by family and friends but here we are today. We love each other and nothing can stand in the way of love,” said James.

Referring to Rod Stewart’s song — The First Cut Is the Deepest, James said Catherine has and always been his first love.

“Our story is unique and we really and are madly and deeply in love with each other. At our age, many people may think of us as senile but we are fulfilling a promise we made to each other years ago,” he said. 

“We do not have much time on earth and want to spend the rest of our lives embraced in each other’s warm and loving embrace,” said James.

The couple has two children together and are grandparents to four grandchildren.

“During our separation, we always used to see each other. We lived in the same neighbourhood. Our children when we were on separation vowed to get us back together because whenever they would visit the other parent felt the loneliness and huge void,” said Catherine who was smitten in her hunk’s loving embrace.

The pair said their tale was one of a kind and could not explain what they felt for each other but are excited to finally be able to live together and they are even more excited to continue writing their love story.

Soon after the wedding family and friends gathered at Playville Planet for cake and meal.

They enjoyed a two-tier cake, which they shared among themselves before they departed for their destination and honeymoon at their home in Greenlands along Bulawayo-Harare Road.

“Our family arranged everything and they made me feel like an 18-year-old bride, which is something I have never felt before,” said Catherine.

The two lovebirds said they do not have much to share about their love story but vowed to continue giving and loving each other until the end of their days.

“We don’t know what to do or what to say because we were just so happy, the pair of us,” said Catherine.

They, however, urged youths not to rush into marriage before getting to know one another.

“This is the reason why you find there is so much anger and hatred among the youth because they do not know each other. Let love lead and love one another. Nothing can stand in the way of love,” said James.