After 57 years of marriage, Marlin “Boots” and Pat Skelton know a thing or two about making a marriage last. The Clearwater couple tied the knot in 1959 after dating just nine months, and over the years discovered what it really means to build a committed, fulfilling relationship.

 

Shortly before her high school graduation, Pat was at a wedding dance and wishing she could go home, when Boots came up and asked her to dance.

 

Although he was four years older, Pat knew him from high school and thought he was cute, so she accepted. At the end of the evening he asked if she would go out with him the next day. She declined. Undaunted, he asked if she’d call him. Although she’d never called a man before, this time she agreed.

 

They were so comfortable with each other that 15 dates later the couple was already talking marriage. Although everyone thought they were crazy, they were married on Dec. 31, 1959.

 

“We got married early but had to grow up fast,” said Boots.

 

The couple had five children within six years, three boys and two girls. Ten years later another son arrived, and a year and a half after that, their youngest son was born.

 

Early on Boots, attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute for painting and decorating, and after graduating began painting bridges and water towers to provide for his growing family. He later became self-employed after realizing that not only did he know as much as the people he was working for, he would be able to spend more time with his family.

In the early 70s the couple began going to Bible study and prayer groups, feeling there was more to the world than what they were experiencing. 

 

“What we learned back then is what guides us now,” said Boots. “It’s important to have the Blessed Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in your life. We’ve always had that in our marriage.”

 

Although their lives were going well, Pat began to feel something was missing. 

 

“On our 25th wedding anniversary we looked at each other across the table and I said, ‘We don’t know each other anymore,’” explained Pat. “’You’re missing out on the best part of me.’”

 

Boots felt everything was fine, but agreed they should spend more time together. The couple decided Fridays would be date night, and thirty-two years later Fridays are still date night, even if it’s just going for a drive.

 

Both believe it was the combination of this commitment, along with their faith, that helped them survive the death of their 18 year-old son in a car accident, and later the deaths of a second son to disease, and a third to a sudden illness.

 

“When you lose a child it leaves a mark on you as a parent,” said Boots. “The first was tough, the other two weren’t any easier.”

 

“I still believe whatever happens to us has a purpose,” said Pat. “The way we’ve managed to survive has given other people hope when something has happened to them.”

 

“Everything we’ve ever done we’ve done with the understanding it’s part of our journey,” added Boots. “Even when it’s difficult.”

 

“He’s never been one to give me cards or candy,” shared Pat. “In the process of everything I realized it’s not important to get a card. It’s the little day-to-day things that are important.”

 

“In spite of everything we still love each other,” said Boots. “I probably comprehended from the death of our sons that you’ve got to tell it like it is. I started telling Pat more than before how important she is to me. I’m proud of her for the woman she turned out to be, and hopefully she feels the same about me.”

 

The couple agrees what really matters now is each other. They play cribbage together every day, not keeping score because they just want it to be fun. Last year they joined a fitness club together. 

 

“We’re enjoying life and each other’s company,” said Pat. “Even if it’s just getting groceries we’re together and we look forward to it. It’s not a drudgery.”

 

“All in all, we’re still in love,” said Boots, smiling at his wife.