Usually, when you think of your childhood friends, it’s fondly, and from a distance. After all, time passes and it’s hard to keep up with people you used to know. But for a special few, the friends they met when they were little, are people they still are lucky enough to know as adults. And in some instances – to have married.

For one lucky couple, their love story spans decades and all began when they were toddlers, barely talking at the time. But now, Joel and Carolyn LaPray are celebrating their 64th year of marriage, having known one another for more than 82 years. The pair met when their parents were neighbors, right before World War II began. Joel was 23-months-old, while Carolyn was just a spry youngster at 14-months-old.

Carolyn LaPray shows off a picture of her and her husband, Joel, when they met as toddlers, more than 82 years ago. Photo by the LaPrays

Their mothers would take the pair on playdates, snapping pictures that would be memories they both could share with their own children. When the war started in 1939, both families moved away from one another. But shortly after the war’s end, the families met again when both settled in Logan, Utah. 

It took time for the two kids to connect again. But by high school, Joel was in the ROTC, and decided it was time to invite Carolyn to the military ball. Both were sophomores at the time. Looking back, Carolyn said that at the time, she thought Joel was nice, but a ‘little boring’. Joel, however, said he remembers knowing at that moment, that the pair was meant to be.

I kinda like her; I think I’m going to marry her someday.”

Joel was right. By the time the pair were in their final year of high school, they had begun dating. By the time they started college at Utah State, they had become engaged. And before the first year of college ended, they were married. A picture of the pair when they first met was in black and white. For the wedding, Joel’s mother found someone to paint it as a wedding present for the two. It was set up by the wedding cake, with a sign that said: Joel and Carolyn, their first date. That first moment has led to more than 64-years of first moments. The secret to it lasting so long? According to Joel:

Compromise. We each had different opinions. We compromise – we do it her way.”

The lovely meeting of young toddlers 82 years ago, has led to six children for the couple, 25 grandchildren and more than 30 great-grandchildren. What a lovely path that first meeting took them on. And what an amazing family they have made. Watch below for a look at the heartwarming couple’s story.

Sources: Shareably | GodUpdates