It wasn’t love at first sight when Collette met Peter, but with a smile she acknowledged her interest was piqued from the first encounter. She admitted to a very strong attraction that has never left after over 30 years of marriage.
The Nelsons, in a one-on-one with Freedom Come Rain, went back down memory lane, starting from their meeting to tying the knot in 1990.
The two met in Brooklyn, New York, in 1983, where Collete used to hang out at his aunt’s home as her mother and his aunt were acquaintances and used to hang out together, so it was only natural for the children to be amongst them as well.
“I didn’t meet Peter until that night when he arrived from Canada to attend his aunt’s 25th wedding anniversary celebration, which was taking place on the weekend,” she recalled.
The two hit it off, and they chatted up a storm, leading to him asking her to iron the suit he would be wearing and for her to accompany him to the celebration, which she did.
With a smile, Peter said the first time he laid eyes on Collette, he liked what he saw, and it didn’t take long for that love to grow.
Thirty-four years later, the two each share on their moments of togetherness and what it took to make the union work.
Like any married couple, the union does not come without its hiccups, but they are giving God the glory for taking them this far and they admit they are always working on the union. It takes both of them making the commitment that they want to make a success of it.
“Peter and I came from brokenness; we needed help, and we knew that, and we must together (live as one); we are at a good place from where we started. There are things about us; as individuals, we are asking the other person to accept; just as we are, we decided we could live with each other’s imperfections; the truth was, there was no perfect person to find,” Collete openly shared.
Continuing, she revealed that they decided to work on each other, making them right for each other, with God’s help. It was this conscious and prayerful decision that saw them weathering the storm—celebrating and caring for each other amidst whatever challenges that cropped up.
Stating some of the elements that worked in keeping their union intact, Collette informed that communication is a must as well as having respect for each other.
“Respect, along with honesty, these were always there. We went through a moment at the 25-year mark; what the enemy meant for evil, my God used for his good; he restored hallelujah, heading towards 35 years in August 2025,” Collette shared on what she said was a big hurdle they overcame in their relationship.
Commenting on how disagreements were handled, Collette said there was a time when they both wanted to have the last word, but they quickly realised that was not going to work as they could not stay upset too long at each other.
“Oftentimes he would let me do what I wanted; I did not want to be selfish, but being an only child, I somehow developed that habit,” she confessed. She did admit that he would spoil her that way, but she soon learnt how to compromise as they worked on their communication, ensuring they listened and understood each other.
The experience was not wasted, as Collette noted that it was an eye-opener for them, teaching them a lot about themselves and what marriage entailed. A committed Christian, Collette shared that her husband is yet to answer the call, but she is confident that God is working things out and looks forward to the day when he too will be sharing her faith in God.
She sees it as her duty to do her part in continuing to shine God’s light in the marriage so that she will eventually win him over.
“I now know more about what my responsibilities are as his wife; I perform and maintain my lane; I wait for him to ask me for help or advice, in other words, submission (Ephesians 5:22–24). Do I always get it right? No, however, I am determined to stay in obedience rather than disobedience,” she resolutely stated.
After 34 years, Collette said the love flames are as strong as they were from day one. Keeping the love flames burning is a deliberate effort, and she did not hold back as she revealed some ‘secrets’.
According to her, it’s the little things they do for each other—the act of love, not just saying the words.
“We find pleasure in touching each other, even if it’s a hug here and there, a kiss, or cooking. We love intimate moments.’ We try to maintain date night once a week by eating out. We schedule weekend trips and vacation getaways,” she noted.
After so many years of living and loving each other, Collette said there are things she absolutely loves about her husband, and among them is the fact that he is not fussy, he is humble, and just how he takes care of his family, including how he makes time to take them out and be a family, and of course she absolutely enjoys the fact that when she asks for something, which she doesn’t make a habit of, he comes through.
For Peter, he is enamoured by his wife’s personality and how she loves him and takes awesome care of him. The pleased look on his face summed up just how happy she has made him.
The two were not selfish in shelling out advice to other couples by giving tips on strengthening their union. Peter’s advice to husbands is that they should always help their wives; as he noted, it is a good way to be available for her needs and prevent her from having a reason to tell you no because she is tired and stressed.
Collette’s words of wisdom are for wives to always support and encourage their husbands and be his cheerleader in everything.
“Please be available for his needs,” she highlighted.
The two also left some valuable gems; like the fact that couples are to never go to bed upset at each other, always kiss good night, and especially when one is leaving the house; never carry a disagreement throughout the home; if you are in the kitchen, resolve it there and listen to each other.
Looking ahead to more years together, Collette and Peter said they are now looking forward to travelling some more, being true ‘empty nesters’ and serving God, and growing older together.