I love hearing other peoples’ love stories and their thoughts and tips on what makes their marriages work. This week’s spotlight couple has been together since their sophomore year of high school. Henrietta is a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, SC with a Political Science Degree, and works as an administrator assistant. Her husband, Mike is a graduate of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC with a degree in Criminal Justice and is employed by the US Department of Justice. They currently reside in Bluffton, SC and have two sons: Michael who is 16 and Chancelor who is 8 years old. This power couple has been together for 26 years and married for 16 years.
What was the glue that held you two together especially during those first years in and out of high school?
Mike: The glue that held us together at least on my part was my commitment to her, and me knowing at a fairly young age that she was the person that I wanted as my wife. I knew that she was the one for me from day one, as corny as that sounds, but I just knew.
Henrietta: It was love at first sight. It was something about the swag that he had as a young boy that drew me to him. I could tell that he wanted to be somebody and he was going places, and I wanted to be part of that. We continue to share a bond that is unbreakable. I honestly believe that it is a love that God has placed between the two of us, and that no man or woman can come between.
How have you been able to maintain your level of friendship over the years?
Mike: This is the person that I enjoy spending time with more than any other person. I respect her feelings and I never want to do anything to disappoint her. She is my best friend.
Henrietta: We maintain our friendship by being supportive of each other through both the good and bad times. I laugh at his jokes even when there are not funny, and I give him his space when he needs it, and likewise with him.
What is the biggest life lesson you have learned in your 16 years of marriage?
Mike: How to compromise. You have to be flexible and you have to be open to things that might be a little uncomfortable for you at times, to get to where you want to be in your marriage. We are both strong-minded people so there are times when we have to compromise and just agree to disagree on things. I learned not to sweat the small things at the end of day because we both have what is best for our family in mind.
Henrietta: You have to maintain an open line of communication. Honesty is the approach that we take with each other. I feel that you should be supportive of your spouse in whatever they are attempting to accomplish, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it. You must be willing to give of yourself at all times, and you have to make sacrifices.
Click the pages below for more of Mike and Henrietta’s story…….
This is an awesome article! We are so proud to call yall our Uncle and Aunt and hopefully our marriage can be as strong and succesful as yalls!
Great story….Congratulations Mike and Henrietta! May God continue to bless the the two of you! 26 years….Times flies when you’re in love, right?
Henrietta&Michael, you live and demonstrate exactly what you both stated in your interview. Continue to go forth with your spiritual and professional life, your paths have already been made especially for you two. I love you, proud of you, and “The Best is yet to come.
I am so proud of my brother and sister inlaw .And keep up the good work a great example for all of the family
I truly enjoyed reading your article, it is truly a blessing to see two black beautiful people sharing their faith and love with the world. I think you two are remarkable by putting God and family first. The world needs more strong black families like the Jones clan. The comments stated in the article were refreshing and delightful, especially in this day and age when the family structure of black people have been destroyed with the lack of faith and commitment. You two are a blessing to society.