All humans dream of finding the love of their lives, and all couples hope that love, once found, can stand the test of time. For Elmo and Frances Gum, that hope is a reality.

Married 65 years, the couple, along with family and friends, celebrated their love and life together Monday morning at Kenwood Health and Rehabilitation Center during the facility’s kickoff to National Nursing Home week. The week’s theme is Celebrating life’s stories, and no story is greater than one of true love.

During a presentation, the couple’s daughters, Vickie and Peggy, shared their parent’s story.

Elmo was born in Estill County July 1932. Raised by his mother and stepfather, Elmo worked on the family farm and road a horse to Webb School (a one-room school house), and then later rode a boat across the river to attend Irvine Elementary School.

A Madison County native, Frances was born in Richmond, but with her family moved often — Danville, Crab Orchard and Hamilton, Ohio, are among the locations they lived.

In 1949, with both Elmo and Frances’ parents living in Waco, the pair met at Waco High School. Frances said she first noticed Elmo during a hayride. When asked if he was cute, she said “yes.”

“I couldn’t get away from her,” he added.

After graduating in 1951, Elmo joined the Army National Guard while working full-time at A&P Grocery Store, while Frances graduated a year later and went to work for Westinghouse’s factory in Richmond.

On February 10, the couple drove to Indiana and got married. Their daughter Vickie showed off a clipping from Frances’ photo album, underneath their wedding picture read, “He’s hooked.”

Soon they welcomed daughter Vickie in 1956. Frances then chose to be a stay-at home mother. In 1959, the couple purchased their first house and welcomed their second daughter, Peggy.

On Monday, the girls recalled fond memories of their parents, who sat in the center of the room surrounded by residents of Kenwood, such as the couple’s talent for card games and bowling, or Elmo’s creations in the kitchen hailing from the days when he was a mess sergeant.

“People still ask about his cornbread today,” said Vickie.

Frances made the house a home — having meals on the table everyday and being responsible for making most of her daughters’ clothes, even Vickie’s wedding dress.

Every year, the family would elaborately celebrate the holidays. Halloween featured a talking pumpkin, which Elmo voiced himself by rigging cords. Costumes also were important in the house.

Elmo and Frances enjoyed square dancing, with the former calling dances from time to time.

Peggy noted that eventually, Elmo left A&P Grocery to be full time in the Army National Guard in the late 1960s, where his duties included assisting in natural disasters and, most importantly, notifying families of loved ones lost during the Vietnam War.

After many years at home, Frances opened a beauty salon and store on Main Street, named Vee Ann’s, which sold square dance, event, wedding dresses and more.

In 1989, Elmo retired from the Army National Guard after 37 and a half years. He reached the rank of command sergeant major, the highest rank of the enlisted, his daughter Peggy said.

The girls noted that, later, their father’s optimism and kind disposition led him to begin posting inspirational quotes to his janitorial cart at Clark-Moores Middle School called “Mo’s Thought of the Day” while working at the school following his retirement from the Army National Guard. Mo’s Thought of the Day can still be seen at Kenwood.

After 65 years of blessings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Elmo now resides at Kenwood, while Frances is at McCready Manor. However, every day, the couple is visited by family and sees each other at least twice per week. Despite changing circumstances that a lifetime brings, Peggy said the family remains incredibly close.

When asked what is the secret to a long and happy marriage, Frances said it is children.

“Children makes a marriage,” she said. “Have them with you as long as you can.”

A shining example to their children, Vickie said from her parents she has learned that, for longevity of a relationship, one has to accept each other’s differences and talk things out.

“There are ups and downs, but when you make a commitment, just stick with it,” said Peggy.

Prior to their daughter’s presentation, Elmo made a grand entrance Monday in a tux and Kentucky blue bowtie, and presented Frances, wearing a golden dress, with red roses. The pair shared a romantic lunch from Cracker Barrel, the couple’s favorite restaurant. The day came as a surprise to the couple.

“It shocked me to death,’ said Elmo. “I had no idea any of this was coming.”

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In observing National Nursing Home Week, Janice Jackson, Kenwood life enrichment director, said they will be celebrating their residents’ life stories with the goal of touching lives and lifting spirits, which she said they strive to do everyday.

Reach Critley King at 624-6623; follow her on Twitter @critleyking.