Everyday is a blessing.
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That is how Howlong couple Harold and Lesley Wilkes have lived the past 76 years as husband and wife.
And for the 100-year-old and 97-year-old respectively, yesterday's anniversary was no different.
While the couple weren't quite up to sharing their love story yesterday, more than seven decades on, their proud daughter Karen Wilkes labelled their love as "unwavering".
"Mum said this morning 'we would have been going into Albury to the club to go out for lunch' but they know they aren't up to it now and 'we are just really lucky to be here together and to sit and look out the window'," Ms Wilkes told The Border Mail.
"They are the head of the family tree.
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"The devotion between the two of them is very much still there, dad's devotion to mum is just amazing.
"Dad is just the most amazing role model.
"Not just to his own children but to his grand children and great-grand children.
"They just adore him."
While holding back tears thinking about her father's health, Ms Wilkes said her parents are just grateful for everyday around their family and each other.
"If we could all have a bit of dad in us, we're not half bad," she said.
"He is just a blessing.
"And if we could have half the love they have had we would have a great life."
The pair met when Mrs Wilkes was working in the administrative headquarters of the Royal Australian Navy in Melbourne, while Mr Wilkes was an able seaman who served overseas during World War II.
They met a few times at headquarters before Mr Wilkes plucked up the courage to ask her on a date.
"I still remember her blue dress and pink scarf," Mr Wilkes told the Border Mail in 2014 when celebrating their 70th anniversary.
The WWII veteran admitted there were many sailors who swept a lot of ladies off their feet, but said there was only one for him.
"First choice is best choice," Mr Wilkes said.
Ms Wilkes said the family were lucky enough to celebrate her father's 100th birthday in June before the NSW border closed and longevity seems to run in the family.
"Dad still has two brothers who are alive as well and one is celebrating his 95th birthday so he had to make sure he rang him and had a chat to him which is cute," she said.
Mr and Mrs Wilkes were married at St John's Presbyterian Church in Essendon on November 17, 1944.
They have two children, six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Mr Wilkes was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2019 for services to the Howlong community, where the couple retired to in 1987 and still live independently.
