Former Lafayette City Marshal Earl “Nickey” Picard has now been married to his wife, Jeanette Picard, for 70 years. They were married in 1949, and they recently renewed their vows in the same place they said “I Do.”
KATC’s Justice Henderson sat down with the Picards to learn all the secrets of longevity.
“I can’t see myself without her. She’s more than my wife; she’s my friend. She’s my life,” Nickey said.
Jeanette and Nickey married when they were just 15 and 17-years-old. In April, they renewed their vows in the same place it all started.
“We were married in that church 70 years ago. We both went to catechism in that church. I was baptized in that church in 1931,” Nickey explained.
They’ve made Lafayette their home, the place they’ve raised three children, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
“Gosh… that’s a long time, yes,” Jeanette said.
So, what does a couple who’ve been together more than seven decades do for date night?
“Today is…,” Nickey laughs. “I guess going to the casino. We play the penny machines. Usually, we make a trip every Friday.” Jeanette chuckles, “We’re big spenders.”
The two say they’ve had more days filled with love and happiness, but there are those days when they’re at odds.
“I do get upset sometimes,” Nickey explains. “That’s natural,” Jeanette chimes in. “And then when I do, I ask God to forgive me and to give me the strength to understand her,” Nickey said.
“I know I can always depend on her to help me, and she can do the same with me. When she’s sick, I’m sick. When she’s hurt, I’m hurt,” Nickey said. “We feel one another’s pain,” echoes Jeanette. “We’ve always been close,” Nickey expressed.
Jeanette has dementia and Parkinson’s disease, and she is also a breast cancer survivor.
Nickey has had strokes and overcame prostate cancer.
The Picards say they’ve learned to love without limits, and they hope to see young generations fall and stay in love forever.
“She’s next to me, and I watch her sleep. I thank God that I have her, and I pray that I get more years with her,” Nickey said.
“I’ve hit on a good man. I’m not going to let go of him until my last breath.” Jeanette said.
