February 26, 2019 (Hickory, NC) ─  Love is in the air at Hickory Village Memory Care, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Hickory.

Clarence and Hazel Hudson, pictured above, reflected on their secret to a lifelong commitment in honor of Valentine’s Day! Clarence recently moved into Hickory Village to join his wife. The two have been married for over sixty years.

In the winter of 1958, unbeknownst to Hazel, she was about to meet her destiny during a visit to her aunt’s house. It was there that Clarence, who was also a guest at the house, first laid eyes on Hazel.  He lovingly recalls knowing at that moment that she was going to become his wife. His intuition was correct and they were joined in marriage on July 4, 1958.

Twenty-eight years old at the time, Hazel was more than happy to make all of the arrangements for the ceremony. Clarence, 24 at the time, simply had to show up for the nuptials and to this day says it was the “best thing” he has ever done.” Activities Director Jessica White said she’s never seen a man so dedicated to his wife.

“He’s so kind and gentle with her,” said White. “He makes sure she is taken care of and he tells her every day how beautiful she is. Sitting down with them to talk about their secret to lifelong love brought tears to my eyes and made me realize that it’s not where you are in life but who you are with.”

Hazel and Clarence continue their love story together each day at Hickory Village Memory Care and allow others to witness the miracle of love.

For more information about Hickory Village, please contact Administrator Dan Jones at (828) 322-2230, at djones2@depaul.org or visit us on Facebook.