Bethesda Lovebirds: Ned and Jo's Story

We had so much fun with these Bethesda Lovebirds. It’s easy to see why Ned and Jo are such a great pair! They’ve been married 17 years and love doing life together at Bethesda Barclay House.

How did you meet?

J: A blind date. Some good friends of ours who knew me and knew Ned asked us to come over for dinner.

N: We knew what their intentions were – to introduce us to somebody to get married to. We said no.

J: And some people told us we were being very rude by doing that so finally we said okay.

What were your first impressions of each other?

N: She laughed a lot and seemed to be able to put up with my antics. I love humor and I love sarcasm.

J: And he loves to talk. He talked nonstop. I laughed a lot. His stories were good.

What is your favorite thing about each other?

N: She’s taught me what love really is and it’s about always giving and not expecting anything in return. I think after all these years, she’s had a lot to put up with and I feel that I owe her nothing except that I love her. I think we have a super marriage and I have never been happier in all areas of my life in which she pulls together.

J: Wow. I hope you’re getting all this down! He makes me laugh. I love to laugh, and he has always done that. I think he’s pretty good looking too. And we’re both strong Christians, and that’s always helpful when you can share a faith.

What is your best advice for young couples?

N: Forgiveness would be the biggest thing for me.

What would you say makes your marriage successful?

N: I think there’s just no other thing but the Lord. We both have an equal foundation. After I was getting serious, I said, “I love you,” and she’d say back to me, “I’m fond of you.” (both laugh)

What is your favorite memory together?

J: My sister and her husband lived in North Carolina in the mountains. So, in the summertime, we would head out to the mountains, and we did a lot of hiking, and we just loved it there.

And when asked about their life at Bethesda Barclay House…

N: It only takes a short time for the community and the staff to become family. We spent a lot of time looking and always came back here. The facility’s right here on the park. We have tennis, skating, and a swimming pool.

J: And we do all that. It’s the right size community and I wouldn’t want it any larger.