Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, and while searching for love can be difficult for some, Doris and Charles Harris (both 81) didn’t have to look very far. The two met at a birthday party in 1956 when they were just 17 years old. They felt an instant connection, and the couple married less than a year later in July 1957. Doris wore a beautiful dress while Charles donned his Air Force uniform, and the couple said “I do” in front of family and friends. Fast forward 63 years, and the couple’s love is still going strong. Doris says her love for her husband is stronger now than ever before, and this Valentine’s Day, the couple will exchange gifts and celebrate their love together at Waltonwood Ashburn, a premier senior living community.
“Charles is the best man I know. He is a man of integrity who has loved me every day since I was 17 years old,” said Doris. “I knew it was love when he would wait at the end of my block in New York City so he could walk me home. Our love remains strong because we both have the same spiritual beliefs. It’s the foundation we set to support our marriage and family. We were able to experience many different countries and cultures during his time in the military. I know he can’t express it anymore, but I see it in his eyes when I visit him every day. The word love is a lot more than an emotion, and as long as I have breath in my body, I will be there for my husband no matter what.”
Doris and Charles have four children and lived around the world over the years, including in Germany, Taiwan and Virginia. He served in the Air Force for more than 20 years before attending bible school and answering the call to be a chaplain. He worked as a chaplain for two years at Rikers Island where he was known for decreasing inmate violence. He later served and pastored for 38 years at Morning Star Full Gospel Assembly in The Bronx, New York. Doris says Charles is an honest man who is full of wisdom, and she knows their love story is endless.
“Charles is my one true love, and our love is stronger today than it ever was,” said Doris. “We’ve lived a beautiful life, had four wonderful children and shared the word of the Lord with many people. We’ve accomplished a lot in almost 63 years, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else by my side. This Valentine’s Day is the first one in our new home, and I’m excited to celebrate with my wonderful husband and other residents in the community.”
“The bond between Doris and Charles is unbreakable. We love seeing them together in the community and know this will be a special Valentine’s Day,” said Kate Ritchie, life enrichment manager at Waltonwood Ashburn. “They are truly remarkable people, and their story reminds us that love never fails, which encourages all of us. We love listening to their love story, especially because it made them into the people we know today.”