This is simply an amazing story from the Sarasota, FL Herald-Tribune:
Yes, couples in their 90s still argue occasionally.
This is how it went recently for Caroline Leto and Venera Magazzu as they sipped lemonade on their couch in Dania Beach: "We're not going to have a party," said Magazzu, 97, insisting they are too old for such things.
"Oh, yes we are," responded Leto, 96, who noted the two can still polka. "This is a big one."
Indeed. A party celebrating 70 years together is a big deal for any pair. But a celebration of this couple's love takes on special meaning, considering they had to keep silent about it for decades.
"You just couldn't tell everyone we were lovers," said Leto. "You tell people we're friends, and some thought we were sisters."
Leto and Magazzu downplay their pioneering role in the gay and lesbian community. But many of their friends and relatives talk it up anyway, marveling at how their love was able to transcend a lifetime's worth of obstacles.
To mark their Aug. 17 milestone, members of Etz Chaim, a gay and lesbian congregation in Wilton Manors, are planning a party. They hope Leto and Magazzu will attend and show everyone how to do the polka.
"Honestly, I think they are more in love with each other than they were back then," said longtime close friend and congregation member Gayle Scott. "Look at straight couples. You are lucky if you are married after seven years. ... That is an amazing love story."
Boy, I'll say it is amazing! It would be for a straight couple, but having to live in the closet for so long and still having their love grow and last is about as encouraging story as I can find on this Earth.
Click here to read the rest of the story in the Herald-Tribune.
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