Brenda and Howard Stokes 50th Anniversary

Howard and I met on the escalators in Myers, Brisbane – I guess you call that ‘fate’.

We married in the Little Flower Church at Kedron in Brisbane, in the suburb my parents lived. Attendants included a cousin, a friend from forever, Howard’s brother-in-law and long-time friend, plus a niece as flower girl.

It was a family orientated wedding and a terrific reunion. Afterwards, off we went in a Mini Cooper with the added cans and streamers, of course, to honeymoon in Cairns.

From there Howard worked hard with his trucks and can tell some interesting stories over a beer or two!

By 1986, we were living in Samford and welcomed our son John – such joy – who has now extended the family with three lovely grandchildren and daughter-in-law.

Next move was to Wallaville and a cane farm! Very different, but it was ‘in the blood’ as Howard was from a farm. It was a wonderful place for John to grow up, surrounded by great friends and relations.

Variety – next was the hotel in Gin Gin. Such a busy, stimulating, rewarding life. For ‘R and R’ we’d be off to Rainbow Beach, eventually buying a house here.

We always intended to retire in Rainbow and when the time came, we did, and never regretted it. Of course, having a boat and being able to be out there with excellent fishing was a drawcard also.

After the initial organising and settling in, we realised we were not ready for permanent retirement. Howard looked around for another challenge and we went back into the transport industry. I work part time in town – it’s nice to have that local contact.

As to the 50 years – time has really flown. Lots of ups and downs, good and bad days, plenty of laughs. Some say ‘through thick and thin’. Essentially though – we have always been there for each other and remain ‘mates’. We recommend an escalator meeting to all the young ones!