February brings out in so many of us a bit of romanticism and joy of celebrating love and commitment in relationships.
The sweetest love story that spanned over 60 years came to mind that felt so appropriate to share with you.
Years ago, I met Tuly and Sam Felean at church. Over the course of time, she worked with me taking care of teen parents and their babies. A beautiful reflection of her love, care, and faith to all she encountered.
That’s where she began to share the love of her life and her story with me.
You see, Tuly was born in Cuba over 90 years ago. At the time of the beginning of her love story she was in University at Havana studying to be an optometrist. I was in awe as she began to share the details of her meeting the love of her life.
Tuly and her sister were living in Havana at her aunt’s bed and breakfast when she met two Americans checking in at the office.
When they left, Tuly told her sister that the tall one, (Sam), was “hers”.
During their stay, Tuly did go to the movies with Sam and another couple and had a really good time.
Their story continued with letters to Sam written by Tuly’s sister impersonating her and asking for his friend’s address…to letters back from him saying he wanted to marry her…to another trip to Cuba asking her parents for their blessing…and then came a proposal and a ring.
You can imagine her conversations with her sister when she found out letters were written in her name, but how happy that Sam wanted to marry her.
There was hesitation of blessing from Tuly’s mother…I mean what mother would want a daughter to leave the country? Her father knew that their blessing was necessary for Tuly’s happiness and knew Tuly would not forgive them if they didn’t give their blessing.
So, the much-needed blessing of this marriage was given.
In June of 1953, Tuly graduated from University at Havana with her optometry degree.
On July 17, the couple were married by the judge before they had the formal church wedding on July 19, 1953.
This marriage moved them from Cuba to Detroit. Since Sam’s family were first generation Americans from Romania, Tuly learned to speak English in a Romanian speaking home which made for a very interesting translation and accent!
One of my favorite stories she shared was that Sam had told her she would have to cook and mop when she got to America. Tuly had always had servants who did that, so she found this difficult to believe. It proved to be true!
Sam began to look for a location for his Lincoln Mercury dealership and loved Paducah’s appeal which brought them here.
Tuly said that she was happiest when they moved to Paducah. She tells everyone this is where she found the light of Jesus which has been the central strength for her family.
Their three children were raised here, and they continued to be surrounded by family as their children began having families of their own.
There are many stories of love and laughter during their marriage. The pure joy that each brought to the other is huge. Big Daddy and Grand MaMa have always been cherished by their family and friends.
A larger-than-life inclusion with others is what their love story has spoken to many. A melding of Cuban and Romanian culture etched into their family. Through sickness and health their commitment to each other was remarkable.
After 60 years of marriage, Tuly lost the love of her life, but Big Daddy is still ever present and lingers in many ways.
In conversations with Tuly her love for him is still so tangible. From selecting the photos and sharing their life with me, it was if he had never left her.
Isn’t that the sweetest love story? A story where love hurdled language, culture, heritage, and countries. A story where faith was central. A legacy of family that is vibrant and exudes love. An example that teaches all of us.
