In a recent column I asked readers if they thought Facebook was a positive or negative force in their life.

Some responded by saying they would never use Facebook because the lack of privacy could result in problems.

Others said they use it every day and would be lost without it.

Today I had one positive outcome from Facebook when I learned two of my closest friends were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. I always keep track of their birthdays but not anniversaries so I would have missed congratulating them if I didn’t see it mentioned on Facebook.

Being married 60 years is a whale of an accomplishment.

In the case of Franck and Jan Johannesen, I can say it’s what we call “a good marriage.” It’s more than just being married for a long time. They are always there for each other and I’ve learned a lot about a thriving relationship from watching them.

Those of you who know the former Clamtown residents know they both share an easygoing disposition along with a sense of humor.

“We all need a sense of humor to get through life,” claims Jan.

When I talked with her today she mentioned she and Franck have actually been a couple for 64 years. After meeting at a church youth group they were quickly drawn to each other and dated for four years before their marriage. “We can’t say we didn’t know each other long enough,” she says.

According to Bride’s magazine, the typical cost of a wedding in 2017 was $27,000. But in 2018, that number increased to more than $44,000.

I’m guessing that $44,000 was probably more than Franck and Jan paid for their first home. If I remember correctly, and I’m no longer sure I do, in 1966, when Andy and I bought our first home it was about $32,000 but it needed a lot of work. We didn’t call a contractor as many do today. Andy did it all himself.

When I called Jan today we had fun reminiscing how “way back then” we got by on a shoestring.

“We sure didn’t spend big bucks on a wedding,” she says. “I made my own wedding gown from satin a friend gave me. My mother crocheted a tiara to go over my veil.”

Their wedding reception was in the church hall.

Jan was a scholarship student in college when she and Franck were married. What they didn’t know was that her scholarship would be revoked if she married. “It was a real blow,” she says. “Franck was just out of college working his first job. We struggled but we got by.”

If our generation did anything well, it could be that we “got by,” no matter how tight finances were. I think it’s because we had lower expectations. We didn’t expect to be able to buy a house right away along with all new furniture.

We scrimped and saved until we had 20 percent for a down payment on a house, then, little by little, as we could afford it, we furnished the home.

Probably the most important decision we can make in a marriage isn’t picking the right house. It’s picking the right spouse.

That’s just one more thing Franck and Jan did well.

“We trained each other well,” she quips.

Then she gives one secret to having a good relationship. “We always want to please each other.”

That’s powerful.

When Jan admits she “gives more than she takes,” Franck’s comeback is, “That’s just as it should be.”

Everyone laughs at their easygoing banter. But then again, it’s easy to laugh when you are around them.

There’s an old saying that goes like this:

People come into our lives for a reason, a season or forever.

Through the years I’ve found that to be true. I always found that “forever friends” are few and far between.

Franck and Jan are forever friends.

We hit it off right from the start.

I always loved visiting them at their Clamtown farmhouse. From the time I opened the door I felt the coziness and warmth of a welcoming home.

They usually had classical music playing softly in the background and often Franck serenaded us at night playing the guitar and singing folksongs. There were nights when, full of contentment, I fell asleep on the furry white rug in front of their fireplace.

One thing I found over the years is that it’s hard to find a couple that are perfectly compatible for both you and your spouse. Oftentimes two women may hit it off and enjoy each other’s company. But when they get together with their husbands, the foursome doesn’t quite work.

Jan and I and Andy and Franck were a perfect fit. We had so many good times together.

The mark of a true friendship is when they are there for you when things are tough. It was being there for each another during the storms of life that made our bond of friendship stronger.

When Andy passed away, Franck and Jan gave me a ticket to Florida for my first holiday without Andy. It was that visit that eventually led to my moving to Florida, 45 minutes away from Franck and Jan.

Today, as I toast their anniversary, I also celebrate our strong 35-year friendship.

Forever friends are certainly something to celebrate.

Contact Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net.