SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. - Marylandian -- Fifty-five years ago, in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Mike and Sue met on a hot and humid summer day; it was love at 1st Bike.

It was the Summer of 1969, and Mike, 11 at the time, was riding his bike with a banana seat and passing by the movie theater when something caught his attention. Sue was hanging out with her friends, talking and laughing as Mike rode up to her with style and swag and said, "Hey baby, wanna ride on my bike?" Sue, who was only 12, looked at this blond-haired and blue-eyed boy and thought he was so sweet and cute. Sue agreed to this ride, hopped on the back of his bike, and the rest is history.

At the ages of 13 and 14, they had their first daughter, Georgie. The parents of Sue and Mike wished and painstakingly tried to keep them apart. Imagine then, their surprise, when only two years later, the very much-in-love couple were expecting their second daughter, Tanya.

Efforts to separate the young couple ultimately ended when, at seven months pregnant with child #2, Sue and Mike got married. The date was June 13th, 1974, and they were just 16 years old.

Mike and Sue's family proved to be incredibly supportive as the pair both had to drop out of school to take care of their children. Mike, newly a father and still in his young teenage years, was taught by his father-in-law how to operate heavy construction equipment to provide for his family. A skill that he still does to this day.

The early years of their marriage were a whirlwind of new experiences. They rented a small house and filled it with love. Life was not always easy as they faced financial struggles, job changes, and sleepless nights while juggling parenthood and being young newlyweds. But through it all, their love never wavered. By the age of 21, they had four children.

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As time progressed, Mike and Sue navigated through both challenges and celebrations as their family and love grew, deepening their bond. Now, in 2024, they are commemorating half a century of marriage, surrounded by their four children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, eagerly anticipating the arrival of yet another set of twin great-grandchildren. Remarkably, their entire family resides within a 5-mile radius, keeping their connections strong and their gatherings frequent. Despite the many decades that have gone by, Mike frequently shares while meeting new people that, to this very day, he still sees fireworks when he kisses Sue.

As we all reflect on this momentous 50th wedding anniversary, we are very proud of Mike and Sue. Even though their journey started at such a young age, it proves that the power of love, commitment, and dedication to stand by each other, no matter what obstacles life throws your way, is possible and can surmount all things.

We sat down to ask Mike and Sue a few questions, this is what they had to say:

Reporter: Please tell us, what is the secret to a happy and long marriage?
Sue: Giving your marriage 100%, Not 50/50 but 100% by both.
Mike: Keeping the Lord 1st in your life.

Reporter: If you could thank your partner for one thing, what would it be?
Sue: I would thank Mike for working hard and supporting his family.
Mike: I would thank Sue for being honest and true to me.

Reporter: What's a song that brings back fond memories of your early days together?
Sue: "It's only make believe" by Conway Twitty.
Mike: "Stand by me" by Ben E. King.

Reporter: What do you love most about growing old together?
Sue: The memories we get to continue making.
Mike: Getting closer and closer to Sue.

Reporter: What is a dream you've accomplished together as a couple?

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Both agreed: Raising our children successfully.

Reporter: What's your favorite tradition as a couple?
Both agreed: Watching the Superbowl- we haven't missed one.

Reporter: What's the most heartwarming moment you've recently shared?
Both agreed: Our grandson's wedding 2 months ago.

Reporter: What is your partner's favorite Holiday and how to you celebrate it?
Sue: Mike likes any holiday that he gets time off to spend with family
Mike: Christmas and Easter for Sue- we love to spend time with our family.

Reporter: What is your partner's favorite music?
Sue: Mike likes a mixture of everything. Gospel, Country, Oldies- all of it.
Mike: Sue's favorite is Christian Music.

Reporter: What's a small but meaningful way you show your love for each other?
Sue: I show him I love him by taking care of him.
Mike: By giving her hugs and kisses

Reporter: Final question, what's a place you'd both love to visit but haven't been able to?
Both agreed: San Francisco or Hawaii!

We begin to close this article in hopes that Mike & Sue's story inspires you to cherish the people you hold dear and to remember that "Love is life, and if you miss love, you miss life."

Mike and Sue's family is collecting donations to fund a special 50th wedding anniversary trip, with potential destinations including San Francisco or Hawaii. A love story that started with a fateful bike ride over half a century ago deserves to be celebrated and honored for accomplishing this remarkable milestone. 50 years married. What a story.

Thank you for your donations to support our cause. You can contribute directly through GoFundMe by clicking here: GoFundMe Link. Here's the link: https://gofund.me/268ae346

Alternatively, donations can be made via Cash App using the handle $SueFreeman57.

Remember, love is life.