FOR more than 20 years Binzmor and Ulrica Oakley have built a life together in Harbour View, St Andrew, finding strength in each other through life’s ups and downs.

The couple met in Portland, where their journey together began, and now, at ages 67 and 68, they face new hurdles — health challenges that have strained their finances and slowed their dreams of expanding their home.

Despite these setbacks, the Oakleys remain hopeful and determined to make ends meet and create a more comfortable future. This Christmas their spirits were lifted with a gift of supermarket vouchers and a care package from Red Stripe’s caregiving brand, Malta, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC). It was a simple gesture, but it brought them comfort and a renewed sense of gratitude.

Before settling into their current home, the Oakleys were no strangers to hard work. Mr Oakley spent years overseas as a farm worker, cooking, growing vegetables, and even picking strawberries.

“I did every little thing,” he reflected, the memory of his working years filled with both pride and weariness. It was a time of sacrifice, but it also built the foundation of their life together.

However, in 2021, Mr Oakley began feeling persistent knee pain, which soon led to a serious health scare. After visiting the doctor, he was diagnosed with a blood clot and was sidelined for five days.

Although he managed to finish the season, he was never called back to work. “I don’t think being out sick for so many days looked good to them,” he shared, the words tinged with a bit of frustration. “It wasn’t about my age either, because another man around my age, who I worked with, was called back.”

Despite the setback, Mr Oakley remained optimistic. His resilience shines through when he says, “Before the farm work, I did a bit of construction and gardening, so coming home, I will get a call from time to time for painting and minor construction work.” He now depends on this to support their modest but evolving home.

Mrs Oakley’s journey has been similarly marked by resilience. She once managed a small grocery shop with her uncle in Buff Bay, Portland, while balancing family responsibilities. However, prolonged health issues forced her to stop working.

According to Mr Oakley, his wife suffers from unexplained facial pain, a condition that doctors have been unable to diagnose or resolve despite numerous visits.

This ongoing health challenge has made her struggle to maintain regular employment.

“She’s been struggling with this for so long,” Mr Oakley explained with a note of helplessness in his voice. “But she’s strong, and we support each other.”

Through every challenge, the Oakleys have supported each other, and it’s clear that their partnership remains the cornerstone of their lives.

“If she’s not feeling well, I look after her,” Mr Oakley says. “And when I’m unwell, she does the same for me,” declared Mr Oakley.

This reciprocal approach has set the tone for their relationship, which is necessary now more than ever.

Despite facing these challenges, their primary goal remains clear — to expand their home. The Oakleys have lived in their current home for more than two decades, a modest structure that has transformed over time through hard work and ingenuity.

They’ve expanded the previous two-bedroom structure to include two additional bedrooms, a larger kitchen, an additional bathroom, and a washroom. Yet, despite their progress, there’s still more to do.

“With some help, we’ll be able to finish it,” said Mr Oakley as his gaze lingered on the bare cement structure, where dreams of completion still take root.

Together, the Oakleys have raised a blended family of eight children. Their adult children and grandchildren occasionally lend a hand, but much of the day-to-day care is handled by the couple themselves. “It’s not easy, but we manage,” Mr Oakley added, a sense of pride in his voice.

As the Oakleys navigate their later years, their love and care for each other remain constant. “We keep it equal,” Mr Oakley said as he described their shared approach to caregiving.

“It’s always been about us working together.” Whether through small acts of kindness or larger sacrifices, the Oakleys ensure that neither of them bears the burdens of life alone.

“We’re always hopeful that things will work out, just like today when Malta and NCSC gifted us. I know Mrs Oakley is most excited about the socks,” he added.

As they aim to complete their house by Easter next year, it’s evident that their shared determination and teamwork will carry them through each step of the journey.