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Couple Celebrates 60 Years Together
Posted June 16, 2015
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sakae and Fumiko Uehara at Care Homes by Hale Makua in hopes of discovering the answer to one of life’s greatest mysteries. Something that people since the beginning of time have been searching for…true, long-lasting love and a long and happy marriage.
Sixty years ago, Sakae, affectionately referred to as Doc, and Fumiko were married. They attended the same church in Chicago. He sang in the choir and she taught Sunday School. Their paths never really crossed until one day when he accompanied her on a church errand and, “that was it,” Doc said. They supported each other in their professional pursuits and careers and worked very hard. They raised five children whom they are very proud of.
Fumiko shared many things about her life and growing up. She is well spoken, outgoing and very social, even as a child. Her parents provided her with many educational opportunities that she took full advantage of. Her family, along with many Japanese-American families, was placed in an internment camp in Wyoming during WWII. A natural leader, Fumiko used her outgoing personality and education to help in any way she could. She even taught a Bible study class to younger children. Her desire to help others probably contributed to her achieving a Masters degree in Social Work.
Doc, on the other hand, is a little more private and enjoys keeping to himself. He grew up in “upper” Paia and remembers the bustling town as having everything he needed. The plantation camps were separated by ethnicity, but was still a close knit community that offered a diversity of cultures and races. He left Maui when he was 19 years old, married Fumiko, graduated from medical school, joined the Army and was even stationed in Germany for a short time. Outgrowing life on the mainland, he returned to Maui with his family at the age of 35 and worked as a surgeon.
As I spoke with Doc and Fumiko, individually and together, they spoke very highly of each other and pointed out the others accomplishments, with modesty they both brushed these off like it wasn’t a big deal. They have resided at Care Homes by Hale Makua in Wailuku for close to one year. Here, they are able to enjoy being together while receiving care and support when needed.
The Care Homes staff treats every resident like family and makes sure that needs are met and everyone is comfortable. The recent 60th wedding anniversary of Doc and Fumiko was celebrated by staff and residents with a big cake with extra special attention paid to this wonderful couple. Care Homes residents and staff enjoy celebrating life’s milestones together. We are extremely happy to be a part of the Uehara’s life.
So, what is the key to long-lasting love and a happy marriage? In the Uehara’s case, it is opposites attract. Doc appreciates his privacy and spends most of his time in their room reading. Fumiko enjoys being with her husband, but is happy for the opportunities to socialize and participate in different activities with other residents and staff. It may not be the fairy tale answer you were hoping for, but this is their fairy tale and it is far from over.