<strong>From four days to four decades: </strong>Forty years ago, strangers Annie and Steven fell in love over the course of four days in Zihuatanejo, Mexico in 1981. They navigated long distance and health issues and are still together today.
From four days to four decades: Forty years ago, strangers Annie and Steven fell in love over the course of four days in Zihuatanejo, Mexico in 1981. They navigated long distance and health issues and are still together today.
Graphic by Leah Abucayan, CNN. Photos courtesy Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>In it together:</strong> Annie lived in Canada, and Steven lived in the US. Despite the distance, when Annie got diagnosed with cancer following her return from Mexico, Steven told her: "We're going to be in this together."
In it together: Annie lived in Canada, and Steven lived in the US. Despite the distance, when Annie got diagnosed with cancer following her return from Mexico, Steven told her: "We're going to be in this together."
Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>Long distance connection: </strong>The couple spent time together whenever they could, with Steven often traveling to Canada to see Annie. "He was part and parcel of my survival, effectively," says Annie today.
Long distance connection: The couple spent time together whenever they could, with Steven often traveling to Canada to see Annie. "He was part and parcel of my survival, effectively," says Annie today.
Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>Just married:</strong> Annie and Steven got married in February 1982, less than a year after their meeting in Mexico.
Just married: Annie and Steven got married in February 1982, less than a year after their meeting in Mexico.
Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>Honeymooning:</strong> The couple returned to Zihuatanejo, Mexico for their honeymoon.
Honeymooning: The couple returned to Zihuatanejo, Mexico for their honeymoon.
Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>Return to Zihuatanejo</strong>: It was March 1982, a year on from Annie and Steven's first meeting.
Return to Zihuatanejo: It was March 1982, a year on from Annie and Steven's first meeting.
Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>Four decades later:</strong> Annie recovered from cancer and she and Steven are still together today, 40 years later. Now retired, the couple love to travel together. Here they are in Wadi Rum in Jordan.
Four decades later: Annie recovered from cancer and she and Steven are still together today, 40 years later. Now retired, the couple love to travel together. Here they are in Wadi Rum in Jordan.
Annie and Steven Berger
<strong>Just go for it:</strong> Annie and Steven, pictured here at Machu Picchu, say their motto has remained the same throughout the decades: "Just go for it." "Life's too short not to," says Annie.
Just go for it: Annie and Steven, pictured here at Machu Picchu, say their motto has remained the same throughout the decades: "Just go for it." "Life's too short not to," says Annie.
Annie and Steven Berger