Joaquín Merodio, aged 95, and Consuelo Ogara, aged 93, celebrate their wedding anniversary every 25th of April. Yesterday marked 70 years since they said ‘I do’ in a not so common titanium wedding. Their marriage, as resilient as the metal that gives its name to this milestone, has withstood the test of time and seems to strengthen with each passing day. They now reside together at the Davida elderly care home in Puerto de la Cruz, where their family organised a party with the centre’s team to commemorate their achievement.
For the couple, it was a very special day. They lived it with emotion and a few tears shed by the workers who know closely the story of this couple, and by Consuelo herself, who displayed the happiness of continuing to add life with Joaquín. “They look like newlyweds,” stated Raquel Merodio, the middle of the three daughters of the couple. Raquel has witnessed a love story that grew stronger over time. To her, they are “a great example of respect and affection,” as they have always been “there for each other.” “They sleep holding hands and are inseparable.”
Joaquín and Consuelo, love of 70 years / Irene Mederos
They decided to move into the care home after Consuelo suffered a stroke. Joaquín, on the other hand, is in better health although he struggles with deafness and poor eyesight. However, there was no doubt that Joaquín should accompany her and move to the care home as well because they have “always been there for each other above all else.” When asked if they ever considered admitting only Consuelo, Raquel is surprised. “It wasn’t even considered,” the daughter assures. Separating them was not in the plans of any family member who knew closely the affection they have for each other and how impossible it would be for them to be apart. “If we had done that, we would have killed them,” adds Raquel. Now that Consuelo has recovered, although still fresh from an operation, they have resumed everyday activities such as going for walks or having chocolate with churros on Sundays.
Joaquín and Consuelo, love of 70 years / Irene Mederos
Their story begins in a village shop in Abanto and Ciérvana, in the Basque Country. Consuelo was the shopkeeper and Joaquín worked in construction. The couple’s love at first sight was intense, so much so that Joaquín had emigrated to Venezuela with his mind set on his wife who had stayed in the Basque village. They didn’t have a traditional wedding ceremony. It was a proxy marriage, but Consuelo immediately made the journey across the sea. It was an eternal voyage by boat, but finally, the newlyweds were reunited.
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Joaquín’s construction jobs took him all over the Peninsula. He was assigned to different communities until they settled in the province of Zaragoza. Together, they raised a family of three daughters. Two of them moved to Canary Islands, and the veteran couple did the same 35 years ago. They now celebrate a quiet existence at the Davida elderly care home with the same love as always. Raquel Merodio proudly states that she is in the presence of a marriage “that you don’t see often anymore” and with parents with “a lot of vitality,” because they find the strength to live for each other. A love that withstands the test of time.
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