Hillman’s love stand the test of time
A Windsor husband and wife who both suffer from memory loss are renewing their 73-year-old wedding vows like it’s the first time they are getting married.
For 73 years, Evelyn and Al Hillman have had a grip on each other. On Saturday, they renewed their vows in front of family, their first gathering since the pandemic started.
When the idea of renewing their vows came up, Evelyn and Al thought they'd make a good couple, according to their son James Hillman.
“My mom would say to him ‘I think we should get married,’” says James. “She had no idea they were already married. There was many times during this process where they thought they were getting married for the first time.”
The couple was married on July 23, 1948 their love has stood the test of time. The Hillman's have five children, 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Al says he was drawn by Evelyn's outlook on life, attitude and pleasant nature.
“I used to work in a drug store when I was a teenager and she used to visit,” says Al. “And then I got more visits and more visits and pretty soon I had to marry her. Get off my back.”
The good natured humour has gotten the Hillman's through many challenges in life, including the pandemic.
“My dad went through COVID and he survived it and it actually brought him back to my mom a lot quicker,” says James.
Evelyn has been in a retirement home for four years but Al always managed to visit.
They both have dementia but that didn't stop Al when he became a resident in the same home in June following his battle with COVID.
“I guess they were looking for him and there he was,” says Brenda MacKinnon. “He found his way which was a different hallway, different wing to my mother like a homing pigeon I always say.”
Their love rose above all on Saturday as the Hillman's sealed the deal with a kiss.
“It was great,” says Al. “Reminded me of years ago when I first thought about getting married. It was wonderful.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.