Couple celebrating 73 years together almost called it quits

ADRIAN, Michigan (WTVG/Gray News) - Laughing together for more than 80 years and married for 73, Richard and Rhea Butler say it Is a love story that almost didn’t happen.

“The day after Valentine’s, I got a letter in the mail saying she didn’t want to see me anymore for a while, a ‘Dear John’ letter. She thought we should date other people,” said Richard Butler.

“I didn’t send the candy back though,” said Rhea Butler.

“She didn’t send the candy back, but in October, I got a letter saying that she wanted to get back together again,” said Richard.

The rest is history.

Of course, it would not be a love story without some challenges.

“She couldn’t get pregnant, and we didn’t have fertility things like we do today,” Richard said.

“I always wanted a lot of kids. When I was growing up I said I wanted 12 kids. I can remember saying that, but it just wasn’t meant to be, so we ended up taking foster kids,” said Rhea.

“We had about 18 foster kids in a period of about 11 years,” said Richard.

They even ended up adopting one of them.

“She’s a good mother,” said Richard.

“I like to mother,” said Rhea.

The couple never thought they’d still be together after all these years, but not because they did not think their love could last.

“We’ve both had cancer, and when you have cancer, you don’t know whether you’re going to survive or not,” Rhea said.

With both of them strong in their faith, though, they feel at ease knowing they will one day meet again.

“You can’t threaten me with heaven,” said Richard.

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