“For me, being by his side is already a good memory. Thank God we do almost everything together and I enclose my life and happiness in a single circle, but I love traveling with him, going out, shopping, escaping alone. In our courtship we experienced many beautiful things and as a married couple we continue trying to do things that fill us with happiness,” says the lovestruck girl.
SANTO DOMINGO – The suitor had to give away countless sweets, popsicles, and ice creams, and spend hours trying to win over his sweetheart. They were both teenagers, and she, playful and immature, didn't take her suitor's words and gestures of love seriously at all.
They met at the Román B. de Castro high school in his hometown of Azua. He was there to substitute for an English teacher and met the "girl from school" who captivated him. He would take advantage of recess to give her sweets, although his teenage shyness confused the group of friends, who collectively enjoyed the treats, wondering, "Which one will it be?".
They had a brief affair, which she considered "nothing serious." He went to Santo Domingo to study, and when he returned to the city for vacation, his girlfriend had moved. Like in the movies, he went after her, found her, and never let her go.
Altagracia Matos and Yane Ramírez were married on September 11, 1995, and from their union came Yanessy Ramírez Matos, 22 years old, a law graduate who “is our greatest treasure on earth,” say the proud parents and spouses.
The special treatment she received was the hook that caught her. “His personality, the way he treated me, the way he took care of me, the way he respected me, the way he made me feel like I was the most important person to him, the way he made sure I had a good time,” Altagracia recounts. In Yane’s case, it was her simple and friendly nature.
The formula for staying afloat 26 years later is that they occasionally treat each other to romantic dates, make time for each other, and there is understanding, respect, love and trust between them, the lovers say.
Both have been working at ALTICASAS, a company dedicated to buying and selling properties, for 20 years. Although the immaturity with which they assumed the commitment of marriage, at just 18 years old, created moments of turbulence, today they thank God that they have stayed by each other's side, enjoying the growth that the years bring.
“For me, being by his side is already a good memory. Thank God we do almost everything together and I enclose my life and happiness in a single circle, but I love traveling with him, going out, shopping, escaping alone. In our courtship we experienced many beautiful things and as a married couple we continue trying to do things that fill us with happiness,” says the lovestruck girl.
There's no specific time or day for this duo. "For us, every day is ours. Thank God we get along really well. When we're near each other, we're always showing affection or holding hands," they say.
Although she acknowledges that Yane isn't the super romantic husband of flowers, candles, chocolates, and serenades, Altagracia is pleased to have a good partner by her side who treats her exquisitely, values her, and makes sure they have everything they need at home.
Their birthday and wedding anniversary celebrations are always special. Both of their parents live in Azua, a province in the south of the country, so they travel there to visit and spend time with them on special occasions.
Love and honesty are the magic words for this couple, who say that when asked if they would marry each other again, they answer YES. Long live love forever and ever!.
