True Love Conquers All: Valentine’s Day Has a Special Meaning for one Concordia Couple

Tom Carol

From our family to yours, Happy Valentine’s Day! Over the past several years, we’ve shared words of wisdom, insightful marriage advice and much more with you from Concordia resident couples at several of our locations. This Valentine’s Day, we have sweet story from a resident couple at Concordia of Monroeville, who found a way to share their love, and spend some quality time with each other despite living in different areas of the building due to current temporary COVID-19 restrictions.

Both Tom and Carol knew that their marriage was destined to last because it poured down rain on their wedding day – September 6, 1968 in Oakmont, PA. Rain on a wedding day is typically thought to be a sign of good luck, which was certainly the case for this couple. True to the couple’s personalities, Tom wore a cowboy suit, Carol wore a stunning dress and they were married during a small ceremony by a magistrate.

“We didn’t have a honeymoon,” Carol said. “I made Tom a nice dinner and a pie after we were married. It wasn’t a fancy affair – I was just happy to be marrying him.”

The couple first met while working at Steeltronics in Oakmont, PA. They realized they had an instant connection and dated for four years before tying the knot. Shortly after, they welcomed their son and daughter and they always took time to put each other first throughout their marriage. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, temporary visiting restrictions at Concordia of Monroeville made it difficult for Tom, a skilled nursing resident, to visit Carol, who lives on the campuses’ personal care unit. Due to CDC guidelines, residents who live in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), have been limited when it comes to visiting friends and loved ones who reside in different parts of the building or in different areas on campus. This made it difficult for Tom and Carol to see each other as often as they typically would.

However, despite the restrictions, throughout the pandemic, Concordia staff have found creative ways to bring the couple together safely and even put together for them a special meal during the holiday season so the couple could reunite and enjoy a private New Year’s Dinner together.

When asked what qualities they love most about the other, Tom noted it was Carol’s ability to adapt to any situation, and Carol explained how Tom’s helpfulness and resourcefulness are two of her favorite traits about him. The couple’s success to a long marriage?

Tom and Carol 2“I follow orders well,” Tom said. “We make a good team.”

“And I enjoy spending time with him,” Carol said. “He gave me just about everything I ever wanted, and when we became parents and grandparents we were blessed to spoil them too.”

This Valentine’s Day, the couple is planning on spending the day the same way they do each year, by giving each other cards and enjoying the day together. The day however, is a bit more special considering everything the couple has experienced since the pandemic.

To all of our Concordia couples – Happy Valentine’s Day!

Are you looking for a last-minute Valentine’s gift for your loved one? What about making a donation in his/her honor at Concordia? They will feel good that you thought about them and you will feel good for supporting seniors who can no longer pay for the full cost of their care – win/win! Click here to donate today, or call the Concordia Lutheran Ministries Foundation at 724-352-1571, ext. 8363, or e-mail giving@concordialm.org.

Do you think you or a loved one may be a good fit in the Concordia family? Learn more about our Care Levels & Services and Locations, or call our Administrative Headquarters at 724-352-1571. You can also e-mail us through the Contact Form here.

Get Updates From Concordia

There is always a LOT happening at Concordia! Would you like to stay up-to-date with our news and events? Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter here.