The next wedding anniversary card for Kathleen and Peter O’Connor will be from the King!
The Geelong couple, who have been married for 63 years, have a box storing Diamond Wedding anniversary cards from the Queen, the Australian Prime Minster and the Governor General. And they’re looking forward to getting one from the King for their 65th anniversary.
“I surely deserve a medal for putting up with him all these years,” laughs Kathleen.
Peter and Kathleen, both 85, are enjoying life in their retirement village, where they say they spend their days relaxing but are actually quite busy.
Kathleen is a member of the East Grovedale Ladies’ Probus Club, wrote and edited the church magazine for some years, has written her autobiography, and loves reading, playing wordle, words with friends and watching documentaries on TV.
Peter spends his time at the Mount Duneed Men’s Shed, playing on the computer and growing tomatoes and other veggies in their little garden.
Peter has mobility issues following a foot reconstruction and three knee replacements and has had a right lung lobectomy, while Kathleen has Arthritis, and Atrial Fibrillation – an irregular heartbeat.
“It’s my fault,” jokes Peter. “I still make her heart beat faster!”
Both are on a level two home care package through Uniting AgeWell. They get help with the housework, Peter gets a bit of help with the shopping and both have availed themselves of the physio service.
The couple has two daughters, and two granddaughters, and travelled widely over the years.
And they are certainly grateful to Uniting AgeWell Care Advisor Shell French for enabling them to live as comfortably as possible at home.
The couple have nothing but praise for their home care worker, Emes, who they regard almost as family. “She’s kind and caring,” says Peter.
Learn more about Uniting AgeWell Home Care in the Geelong area