This week’s Their Story feature is the story of a beautiful couple who are both 72 years old and whom I recently met at our church in Houston. Ever since I met them, I have been so encouraged by their relationship. It was wonderful to read about their story in the Houston Chronicle and below is an excerpt from the article:

The horizon of their wide and busy world has gradually drawn inward since 2005, when Anne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Bill began focusing a growing share of his time and energy on her. He took a training course, reads books and meets with a support group to help him provide what she needs and anticipate what is to come, but he doesn’t speak of a job or duty or responsibility — only “the privilege of caring for her.”

…

He sees the occasional signs, and so does she, that this intruder is going about its work, stealing precious bits of her consciousness. But the Cunninghams, both 72, don’t dwell on it, choosing instead to make the most of the time they have remaining.

“My love for Anne has deepened because, now, she needs me more than ever,” Bill says. “In one respect, it’s been a growth for me.”

Read their story in its entirety in the Houston Chronicle here.

I love reading or hearing about couples who have been together for awhile. I love hearing about things they’ve been through together, the history of their common goals and dreams, and how they continue to complement and challenge each other. I love hearing their story.

Amy Larocca of New York Magazine does a wonderful job of capturing the story of the businesses and brands the Spades have created together, and the life they live now.

Some quotes I found particularly memorable from her piece in New York Magazine earlier this month:

On Andy Spade’s branding genius…

Andy Spade’s explanation, the key, he says, to his marketing success? “The bigger you get, the smaller you act.” By which he means: The more personal a brand, the more stuff it can sell.

Andy Spade on life…

“I see all these people who just keep going and going and going, and I just feel like, ‘Hey! You made it!’ ” says Andy. “But they get up every day and just keep going. You love the game, but the game for us? We just wanted to be in fourth place. We just wanted a good little company.”

Continue here to read her feature on the Spades in its entirety on New York Magazine.