A devoted couple, who are approaching their 70th wedding anniversary, proved that love endures as they shared St Valentine’s celebrations with fellow residents at a Rutherglen care home.
Love was all around in the approach to St Valentine’s Day at David Walker Gardens for Gordon and Jean Cowan, who married in 1951 following a two-year courtship around Glasgow’s famous dance halls.
Big-hearted staff at David Walker Gardens held a series of St Valentine’s high teas for its residents, arranged in line with all the guidance and safety considerations.
The high teas had special significance for Jean, 95, and 98-year-old Gordon, who said the thoughtfulness of staff at David Walker Gardens left him and his wife in a real spin.
“I never would have imagined as a boy, when I grew up just round the road, that I would be here in this wonderful place – the old Gallowflats school in my day – celebrating with the love of my life after 70 years,” he said.
“We are very thankful to the staff.”
Jean added: “The secret to a strong marriage is about taking each day as it comes.
“That applies more now than it has ever done.
“We have lived a long and full life together and I have absolutely no regrets. It was lovely to be able to mark St Valentine’s Day in style.”
David Walker’s manager, Debra Allison said that despite the challenges COVID presents, love endures.
She told the Reformer: “It was so touching to see Gordon and Jean being able to celebrate the day – especially so close to their platinum jubilee wedding anniversary.
"Overall, the Valentine’s teas were really about celebrating that sense of companionship and togetherness that has characterised our staff and residents’ response to every challenge that COVID has presented.”
Val de Souza, chief officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, praised the efforts of all involved.
She added: “Examples of compassion, thoughtfulness and community spirit have abounded, right across our care homes and throughout this pandemic.
“The series of Valentine’s high teas – and the fact that Gordon and Jean could take time to relax and reflect on their seven decades together – is testament to that very spirit.”
