We’ll Endure It to Embrace It: A Journey of Love in Adversity

Ive gotta tell you this crazy love story of my mate Charlotte it still feels like a movie whenever I think about it.

It all started at the Manchester Airport. Charlotte burst out onto the jet bridge, shouting at the top of her lungs, Edward! Ill love you forever, Ill come back, just you wait! She then shuffled back to her seat, clutched her carryon and broke down in tears. Right next to her sat her husband, Thomas, staring out the window in silence. No one could guess what was running through his mind, but Thomas would never say a harsh word to Charlotte not even a hint of blame. On his lap was their twoyearold daughter, Lily, who was too young to understand why her mum was sobbing and why dad wasnt trying to comfort her.

The plane was heading for Sydney, Australia. In the cabin were a bunch of Charlottes relatives everyone was set to leave for what they called the promised land, for good.

Back in Manchester, Charlottes first love had been Edward. Theyd met at university, and she was certain hed be the one shed marry. Their romance grew stronger and hotter with each passing day. Then, out of the blue, Charlottes mother announced they were moving to Australia. Weve found a proper match for you from the family circle, her mum declared, pushing a prospective fiancé on her.

Charlotte laughed it off at first, but soon the matchmakers arrived with Thomas. The moment she saw him, she slipped away from the family gathering like a thief in the night. Thomas wasnt her idea of a perfect husband, but the relatives were set on the match Itll be a beautiful wedding, a perfect pair! they said.

Seeing how upset Charlotte was, her mother tried to sweeten the deal: Darling, we have to go. Once were there you can choose who you truly want to be with. Look at Thomas hes steady, sensible. He likes you, you know. Just bear it, love, and itll turn into something.

Charlotte poured all this into Edwards ears. He just shrugged, Charlotte, you cant go against the family. Im not the one to argue. Well just have to accept it. She took him for a coward, thinking hed given up without even trying.

Desperate, she married Thomas. Over the years there were tears, arguments, even the occasional shattered plate, but Thomas always went easy on her. He understood you cant crush someones love for another person; you have to win them over instead.

When Lily was born, Charlotte threw herself into motherhood it was her temporary refuge, though her heart still ached for Edward.

Eventually the whole family sorted the paperwork, packed up their life, and were ready to set off for Australia. Edward, in disguise, turned up at the airport to see Charlotte off. As she settled into her seat, she spotted him across the tarmac waving a bouquet of daisies. Without thinking, she sprinted onto the jet bridge, leapt onto the stairs, and Edward tossed the huge bunch toward her. The flowers fluttered away in the wind, scattering across the runway as the plane roared forward.

Soon they were over the Pacific, landing in Sydneys suburb of Bondi. A fresh start, a brandnew home, and a whole lot of challenges to face before they could finally breathe easy. They had to learn Australian slang, get used to the scorching climate, and find jobs. Some of the grandparents eventually passed on, but Charlotte gave birth to two more girls Amelia and Caroline while Thomas stayed by her side like a guardian angel, handling all the housework and looking after the family.

They even took a road trip around Europe together later on. When their silver wedding anniversary rolled around, Charlotte, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, declared her undying love for Thomas, and he replied he still couldnt believe how lucky he was.

Turns out Charlottes mum was right endure and love after all.

And when Charlottes best friend from Manchester flies over to visit and asks, What about Edward? You never forgot him, did you? Charlotte looks puzzled and says, Edward? Remind me who that was

Crazy, isnt it? Its one of those stories that just sticks with you.