At Autumn Leaves of Crystal Lake, we have been very blessed and extremely privileged to know Erhard and Ingrid, an amazing couple who have stolen our hearts with their incredible story.
Erhard met Ingrid at a local church in Germany, and for Erhard, it was love at first sight. Without hesitation Erhard asked Ingrid for a date, but Ingrid had plans to finish school and told Erhard that she did not want to get involved with anyone until she had completed her education. Erhard was devastated. Separated by over 600 miles, Erhard did not see Ingrid again until he received an invitation to her brother’s wedding. Erhard anxiously decided to attend the wedding, knowing he would be seeing Ingrid for the first time in three long years! It was a wonderful reunion, but the evening inevitably came to an end, and Erhard went back to his home.
Shortly thereafter, Erhard received a letter in the mail from Ingrid’s mother telling Erhard to call her daughter – Ingrid missed him terribly and was sure that she had found the man she loved. Erhard proposed to Ingrid over the telephone and she quickly accepted. Erhard rushed out to buy the engagement ring and placed it in the mail to his soon to be bride.
With a leap of faith, Erhard and Ingrid then departed on a long journey with Ingrid’s mother, sailing to America on the Hanseatic Maiden Voyage. The couple married on December 14th, 1958.
When we asked the couple what their secret was to such a long and special relationship, they responded, “There is no miracle greater than love. It’s God’s most precious gift to us. It is important to be compassionate, caring, and forgiving in a relationship.” Ingrid then added, “It also helps to hug your partner every time you pass each other in the hallway.”
