Their Marriage Broke A World-Record, But Their Secret Is Simple. Everyone Needs To Know This

 Imagine going through the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement and eventually living to witness the first African-American president of the USA. President Obama even sent them a signed commendation back in 2010!

The lovebirds Zelmyra and Herbert Fisher broke The Guinness World Record for the longest marriage. They were married since May 13, 1924. Back in 2008, they broke the record for longest marriage at 84 years.

This looks like mission impossible in the world we live in today. Most marriages end before they even truly begin! Researchers estimate that 41 percent of all first marriages end in divorce, 60 percent of second marriages end in divorce and 73 percent of all third marriages end in divorce. Then how come this couple stayed together for so long to broke the world record?! What’s their secret?!

They were interviewed about their secrets to withstanding through harsh times and managing crisis in marriage. Here are the simple answers from the couple that truly lasted till “death did them apart”:

1. What made you realize that you could spend the rest of your lives together? Were you scared at all?

With each day that passed, our relationship was more solid and secure. Divorce was NEVER EVER an option, or even a thought.

2. How did you know your spouse was the one for you?

We grew up together and were best friends before we got married. A friend is for life; but our marriage lasted a lifetime.

3. Is there anything you would do differently after 80+ years of marriage?

We wouldn’t change a single thing. There’s no secret to our marriage, we just did what was needed for each other and our family. (I guess there lies the secret…)

4. What is your advice to someone who is trying to keep the faith that Mr. Right is really out there for them?

Zelmyra: Mine was just around the corner! He is never too far away, so keep the faith – when you meet him, you’ll know for sure.

5. What was the best piece of marriage advice you ever received?

Respect, support, and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest, and true. Love each other with ALL of your heart.

6. What are the most important attributes of a good spouse?

Zelmyra: A hard worker and a good provider. The 1920s were hard, but Herbert wanted and provided the best for us. I married a good man!

7. What is your best Valentine’s Day memory?

Zelmyra: I cook dinner every day. Herbert left work early and surprised me; he cooked dinner for me! He is a VERY good cook!

Herbert: I said that I was going to cook dinner for her and [that] she could relax. The look on her face and clean plate made my day! (This just made my day!)

8. You got married very young – how did you both manage to grow as individuals and not grow apart as a couple?

Everyone who plants a seed and harvests the crop celebrates together. We are individuals, but accomplish more together.

9. What is your fondest memory of your 85-year marriage?

Our legacy: 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

10. Does communicating get easier with time? How do you keep your patience?

The children are grown, so we talk more now. We can enjoy our time on the porch or our rocking chairs – together.

11. How did you cope when you had to be physically separated for long periods of time?

Herbert: We were apart for 2 months when Z was hospitalized with our 5th child. It was the most difficult time of my life. Zelmyra’s mother helped me with the house and the other children, otherwise I would have lost my mind.

12. At the end of bad relationship day, what is the most important thing to remind yourselves?

Remember marriage is not a contest, never keep a score. God has put the two of you together on the same team to win.

13. Is fighting important?

Never physically! Agree that it’s okay to disagree, and fight for what really matters. Learn to bend – not break!

14. What’s the one thing you have in common that transcends everything else?

We are both Christians and believe in God. Marriage is a commitment to the Lord. We pray with and for each other every day.

Zelmyra and Herbert had an inspiring marriage, and we are lucky to have their advice. After 87 years, it was clear that they were as in love as the day they were married.

In 2011, Herbert passed away at 105, and a few years later in 2013, Zelmyra followed at 105 years old as well. When Herbert passed, the couple had been married for 87 years.

Being committed for life is not easy, but it can be done! We all can use every help and advice we can get! If you treasured a bit of this profound love advice, please pass some of it on to your friends on social media. Everyone should know this!

A carrot, eggs, and coffee are used by Grandmother to teach wisdom.

We might all benefit from some good advice now and then. Many of us turn to our grandparents for comfort while we are struggling to weather one of life’s storms. A grandmother delivers some simple wisdom to her grandchild in this widely shared Internet anecdote.

Despite the fact that the author of this essay is unknown, their wise words are universal and can be enjoyed by everybody.

At the beginning of the story, a young woman visits her grandmother. She is concerned about the state of her life and needs help. Her grandmother answers by giving her a carrot, eggs, and coffee…

A young woman visited her grandmother and informed her about her life and how terrible things had gotten. She was terrified and wanted to give up because she had no idea how she would make it. She was tired of battling and struggling. As soon as one issue was overcome, another one arose.

She was accompanied to the kitchen by her granny. She filled three pots halfway with water and placed them on high heat. The pots rapidly boiled over. She put carrots in the first, eggs in the second, and ground coffee beans in the third. She remained there silently for them to boil.

After around twenty minutes, she turned off the stoves. She took the carrots and put them in a bowl. She then removed the eggs from the carton and placed them in a bowl. She then poured the coffee into a bowl after ladling it out.

‘Tell me what you see,’ she asked of her granddaughter. ‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she said.

“She drew her in and requested that she feel the carrots.” She did, and she was struck by how soft they were. She then told her to break an egg.

After removing the shell, she studied the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she invited her to try a sip of her coffee. The girl smiled as she smelled the beautiful scent.

“What does that mean, Grandmother?” asked the granddaughter. While all of these objects were subjected to the same difficulty – boiling water — they each behaved differently, according to her grandmother.

The carrot was tough and uncompromising. When exposed to boiling water, however, it melted and weakened.

The egg was delicate. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. However, after being immersed in boiling water, its core solidified.

The ground coffee beans, on the other hand, were one-of-a-kind. Once they were in the hot water, they changed the water.

‘Which one of you are you?’ she inquired of her granddaughter. ‘How do you deal with adversity when it knocks on your door? “Would you like to be a carrot, egg, or coffee bean?”

“Consider this: Who am I? “Am I the carrot that appears strong but is filled with anguish and adversity?” “Am I going to wilt, weaken, and lose my strength?”

“Am I the egg with a malleable heart that changes in response to heat?” Is my spirit alive and well, but have I become harsh and rigid as a result of a death, a breakup, a financial struggle, or another adversity? Does my outward appearance match my inner bitterness and toughness, with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

“Do I look like a coffee bean?” The bean actually changes the hot water, which causes the agony. When the water becomes hot, the aroma and flavor of your life are released.

When circumstances are at their worst, if you are like the bean, you improve and adapt the situation around you. Do you advance when the hours are the darkest and the difficulties are the most severe?

This incident made me think about who I am in challenging situations. Which of these are you? Should I have a carrot, an egg, or a cup of coffee?

Tell your friends and relatives about this parable!