Centenarians Celebrate 83 Years of Marriage

by CYNTHIA IZAGUIRRE

WAXAHACHIE – When Juan and Amelia Rojas say it feels like they have been married for almost 100 years, they actually mean it.

September 2012 marked 83 years together.

“Since 1930,” Juan said.

At age 101, Juan said he still feels young.

“Like 100 percent,” he said jokingly punching his fists into the air. “Who wants to fight?”

Amelia, 102, said those who want to live long should eat a lot of beans. However, Juan attributed burritos and fried pork to his longevity.

A lot has changed in 101 years.

“We used to get on horse and wagon,” Juan said. “Now, we got planes. We used to walk a lot to go to the grocery store.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is their love for each other, and their love for gambling. It’s their favorite thing to do together.

“Sometimes we win,” Amelia said. “Sometimes we lose.”

But, one thing is for sure, the couple lights up when it comes time to go to the racetrack and bet on the horses.

“We like it,” said Amelia, especially when they win.

But, mainly the centenarian cherishes being surrounded by her adoring family.

Juan choked up when he talked about the greatest joy of his life.

“Building my house,” he said as tears rolled down his face.

He built his house in El Paso from the ground up, and never got tired.

“Like they say, men cry too,” he said. “Not just women.”

They are tears of joy for a Waxahachie couple celebrating a milestone surrounded by a lot of love.

P.S. Juan and Amelia Rojas are the in-laws of our Brother Knight David Ybarra and Veronica’s parents.