Is there someone in your life you simply couldn’t imagine living without?
For me, that person is my wife. She’s not just the love of my life — she’s my compass, my confidante, and my greatest source of strength. She’s the laughter in my joy, the calm in my storms, and the steady anchor that holds me strong when life feels like it’s pulling me into the depths of darkness and despair.
Every day, I thank God for the blessing of her presence. Yet I’m mindful of life’s fragility, knowing one day, one of us will have to face the world alone. That thought is sobering, but it fuels my resolve to cherish every moment we have together. If I’m honest — and perhaps a little selfish — God willing, I’d rather be the one to exit first.
Our marriage, like any enduring partnership, hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We’ve faced our share of challenges — moments of hurt, frustration, and even fierce disagreements. But the strength of our bond hasn’t come from avoiding conflict; it’s come from how we’ve learned to navigate life’s challenges together. And truthfully, we’re still learning. Growth in love is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
The key for us has been humility — letting go of pride and the need to always be right. We’ve come to understand that love is not about keeping score but about choosing grace, forgiveness, and connection, day after day. In marriage, there are no victors or vanquished, only partners striving to choose peace over pride, compassion over bitterness, and love over resentment.
One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned is the transformative power of communication. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential. Communication is the bridge that keeps love intact through life’s storms. We’ve learned to replace silence and tantrums with words that heal. Even when it’s uncomfortable, we talk or write texts to each other. Even when it’s hard to hear, we listen.
Conflict is inevitable when two unique souls share a life, but it’s how we respond that matters most. Do we let hurt linger and build walls? Or do we step into the discomfort, face the mess together, and rebuild the bridge that misunderstanding tried to tear down? For us, the answer has always been to rebuild.
It’s not easy. It never is. But we know what’s at stake — our love, our commitment, our family, and the legacy we’re shaping for our children and grandchildren. Those things are far too precious to let pride or anger ruin them.
If I could offer one piece of advice to couples, it would be this: Don’t let pride rob you of the joy you’ve built together. Apologise, even when it’s hard. Forgive, even when it feels unfair. Keep communicating, even when it’s uncomfortable. Relationships will face storms, but storms pass. On the other side is the peace that reminds you why you chose each other in the first place.
Cherish it all — the quiet moments, the laughter, and yes, even the tears. Fight if you must, but always fight for each other, not against one another. Love is not about avoiding challenges; it’s about facing them together and growing stronger with every storm you weather as one.
This is a tribute to my remarkable wife of 52 years. She’s the most extraordinary woman I know — a wonderful wife, an incredible mother, and a loving Nana to our three grandchildren. Her love and grace have shaped our family in ways words can never fully capture or even express.
Life without her would never be the same. And while her private nature may mean I’ll get an earful for saying all this, I’d rather speak my heart now than wait until it’s too late. She deserves every accolade for the incredible person she is and the priceless gift she is to all of us.
We are truly blessed because of her.
n COLIN DEOKI lives in Melbourne, Australia and is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed in this article are his and not necessarily of this newspaper.
Glenda with grandchildren, Isabella, 9, and Zach,4.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Glenda and son, Nico.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Back (L-R): Colin, daughter-in-law Maria, (married to) son Neil, Glenda Deoki and youngest son, Nico. Standing (L-R) grandchidlren – Sarvana, 7, Zach, 4 & Isabella who is 9. This photo was taken on Christmas Day 2024. Picture: SUPPLIED
Glenda and Colin at the Holiday Inn during a trip to Fiji in 2023. Picture: SUPPLIED
Glenda and Colin in younger days. Picture: SUPPLIED
