Love And Marriage Go Together...

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Created on Wednesday, 02 May 2018 02:13

Written by Victoria Carlson

ST. JOHNSBURY - A ninety three year old resident of Saint Johnsbury lives every day to his fullest. From breaking records to fighting in World War II, Pete Racine has a tale to be told.

Racine's life is full of stories, experiences, and adrenaline-pumping moments. While serving for the Marine Corps in World War II he was stationed in Guam, and his experience is one he will never forget.

"I had never been away from home, I was seventeen, and the happiest time was when we finally got back home and unloaded on the ships and people greeted us with everything, food, bands, celebration, and it's something I'll never forget."

Along his side through all the excitement was his wife, Priscilla, of seventy years. The two met at The Lancaster Fair and had three children together. Racine explained it took one conversation to realize she was the one he had been looking for as his wife.

At eight years old, Priscilla was molested by her step-father. By the time she was twelve years old, she had a baby. Her son was three years old when Pete and Priscilla met.

"She was very shy.  What made her what I was looking for in a woman was due to all the bad things that happened to her. She didn't want to be around people, she was afraid people would find out what happened to her." That fear she held was not only to strangers, but to her own children. She kept a secret from her three children for most of her life.

Priscilla suffered from Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimers Disease. But Pete will tell you that taking care of his wife was not a burden, it was his job to make sure she had the best care he could give her.

"It was hard because she would forget me and tell me she hated me, but I knew she didn't mean it, so I never took it to heart. We always cared for each other."

Three years ago, Priscilla decided to inform her children they had a half brother. Each child had a different reaction; Gloria Cass, their only daughter, had an accepting approach to the situation. Cass was there through her mother's side during her sickness and her final days.

"It explained a lot to me how she was. Why she was so quiet. She was very loving and everyone loved her, but she was very quiet and not that outgoing. It explained a lot to me and knowing I had another brother that was fine with me."

For now, he continues to focus on breaking records.  He is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest man to roll a car.

Pete will never forget his other half, Priscilla. Her final day is one he cherishes everyday.

"Out of the sixty nine and a half years, we were only apart for ten days during that time. It was rough to have to loose her, I stayed by her bed side for three nights," that final night was the last time Pete would ever see her bright shinning smile. While she asked Pete why he married her, he simply responded with, "Because I love you and I would do anything for you."