Couple of 47 years marry in hospital ceremony
AFTER 47 years together, Fernando Mendes and Marinha Barros got married in an intimate ceremony in the chapel at Bankstown Hospital, where Mrs Barros is receiving pallitive care.
The Express
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THEY had already loved each other for a lifetime – but after 47 years, it was finally time for Fernando Mendes and Marinha Barros to put a ring on it.
The new Mr and Mrs Mendes were married at long last at an intimate ceremony in the chapel at Bankstown Hospital last Thursday.
Mrs Mendes, 82, has advanced melanoma and is receiving palliative care at the hospital.
The couple, who are originally from Portugal, have lived in Punchbowl in recent years.
“Fernando, my friend and life partner, who would have thought that this day would come true?” Mrs Mendes said in Portuguese in her vows.
“Today in front of our friends, who are family, we make promises of a lifetime together.
“Love is not living happily ever after – this happens in fairytales.
“Love is knowing how to face life together.”
Mr Mendes said to love was to surrender.
“Here is my promise of love forever, and for the rest of my life,” Mr Mendes said.
Friends and hospital staff applauded and blew bubbles as the couple swore to love each other as long as they both lived.
As the couple exchanged their rings, Mrs Mendes held up her new husband’s hand and looked at him in the eye as she said: “Never take this off.”