him to excel in school and, subsequently, his career. “We brought two different elements to the table,” began Judy. “Julien is from a large family and mine is small. I am the oldest in my family and he is the youngest. Opposites attract and give relationships a balance.” The couple went on to tell me that this balance has contributed to their successful relationship. “We each have our own careers and never interfere in what the other is doing, but we come together on important family issues, like raising children.”
about you anymore,” Judy said thoughtfully. “You have to compromise, and you have to communicate,” began Judy when asked about the secret to her successful marriage. “We have always encouraged each other to do the things that make us happy.” Julien always wanted to go to Africa and with Judy’s support and encouragement he made the trip two years ago. “And, you can’t change anyone,” Judy laughed. “I tell my children the same thing; talk everything out and remember to laugh.”
“We were married at First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, the church Julien’s family help start,” Judy told me with a big smile. The wedding was very traditional, and the couple began their life together living and working in Myrtle Beach. Their oldest son, Lash, was born in 1986, and the couple had identical twin girls, Candice and Caroline, in 1988.
Judy and Julien made it a priority to sit down with their children for dinner every night, but also took time away just to be a couple and keep the romance alive. “We went on a trip to St. Thomas and stayed on a friend’s sailboat – that was one of the most romantic times we’ve had together. We sailed it together, just the two of us.” Julien’s romantic memory is definitely a little more pragmatic and masculine. “She bought me my favorite shotgun -- I had wanted it for a long time,” he said. “She’s a great gift giver.” Traditionally a day of romance, Valentine’s Day is usually celebrated quietly at the Springs’ home. “It isn’t as big a deal to us as the anniversary of our first date, November 17th, but we’ll probably go out to dinner.”
“When I found out I was pregnant with twins, I bought two pacifiers, wrapped them up and took them by Julien’s office to surprise him with the news. I told him we had a baby gift, and I wanted him to open it. Of course, I was crying, but I had my sunglasses on so Julien wouldn’t know.” After he got over the initial shock and delight of knowing he was going to be the father of twins, the ever practical Julien’s first reaction was to tell Judy, “Well, you’re going to have to sell the car – time for a station wagon!” Judy had just bought a new Maxima, and it was definitely not big enough for twins and a two year old. “We have laughed at that story for years,” Judy told me, still tickled at her husband’s reaction. “We spent five years without children and suddenly our whole lives changed,” Judy said when asked about some of the greatest challenges in her marriage. “Life in general can be hard, from raising children to caring for sick parents to economic ups and downs.” Julien then spoke up and said he and his bride have always managed to stay grounded through the ups and downs of life. “Find your balance, keep the faith and keep God first in your life. Raising children is the hardest job you’ll ever do – and the most rewarding.”
Today, the couple lives in Pine Lakes Country Club and takes pleasure in every day together. To close, I asked them their advice for young couples on making a lasting, happy marriage. “Marriage is hard work, working together will bring great success,” began Julien. “Be consistent, be positive and keep the faith,” added Judy. “God has to be the center of your marriage.”
Both Julien and Judy agreed that their children were also the best and most rewarding things about their marriage as well. “With the children grown now and grandchildren on the way, it is very satisfying. We have always been very consistent and dedicated to doing what was best for our family.” Even though they both worked full time, their children always came first. “When you have children, it’s no longer about you; you have to think about them first. And, it’s the same with marriage, it’s not just
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