[Couple Spotlight] From caregiver to love giver, inspiring story of how the Akintoyes kick-started an everlasting journey from the hospital bed

I know you’ve read quite a number of beautiful stories of some lovebirds from us here but what I’m about to unveil to you today is even more sweet and touching. 

At first I couldn’t believe my ears when these amazing lovers shared their love journey with me because it felt like scenes from award winning Nollywood or Hollywood movies.

It all started some seven years back at the general ward of a government hospital in Lagos. Doctor Rufus Akintoye was the one on duty when this pretty woman came for a routine checkup that would later lead to her admission for a few days.

After she discussed her symptoms with the doctor, he instructed the nurses to take her vitals. They did and upon careful examination, the doctor recommended a  three-day bed rest starting immediately.

However, despite his busy schedules, Doctor Akintoye kept a special eye on his new patient and ensure she was promptly attended to whenever she needed anything. Nothing gave them out for something serious after concluding the bed rest till subsequent visits.

Read full account of this splendid journey as told by the couple below:

 

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Doctor Akintoye: I was attending to some patients at the general ward when my wife came for a routine medical checkup. I asked that they take her vitals and realised she will be needing immediate bed rest for three days under strict medical supervision. While I was busy with others, I ensured she didn’t lack anything and checked on her regularly till she was discharged. However, on subsequent visits, even while I was off duty, she requested that one of the doctors help placed a call to me to appreciate me. I knew there and then that she’s a special breed and I was willing to do everything to make her mine. And I eventually did.

Mrs Akintoye: It’s in my husband’s nature to take quality care of his patients and leave a long lasting impression and he sure did with me for those three days I was on the hospital bed for the rest. I saw a dedicated, selfless and rare professional that stood out amongst his peers. I couldn’t help but yield to his advances almost at the first instance.

 

2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?

Doctor Akintoye: I’ve attended to countless patients in different hospitals and only few possess the rare attributes of my wife. In actually fact, my wife was the first of my patients to request that my colleagues place a call to me just to show appreciation. It was a golden moment for me and I knew on the spot after that call that ‘this is the one’.

Mrs. Akintoye: The way he cared for me and other patients. I mean he could decide to just do his duties and go, but you see that extra layer of kindness and willingness to see to patients’ wellbeing is topnotch.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Both: Seven years. Dated two years and married for five years.

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years especially after the arrival of kids?

Mrs Akintoye: There’s always a spark with my husband. And for him, the kids are even part of the spark.

Doctor Akintoye: What other spark do I need than waking up to my most preferred human by my side always and a home with kids carrying my genes? I’m blessed man and that’s the biggest spark for me!

 

5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you?

Mrs Akintoye: Surprise date nights. Surprise home cooked favourite meals. Just name it, my doctor husband is full of it.

Doctor Akintoye: My wife collaborates with the kids a lot on this. While having a busy day at work, they can just show up surprisingly to come deliver my food and give me the biggest hug. That is one of my greatest recovery dose on days when the morale is low.

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

Doctor Akintoye: From as far as our dating days, we discussed these things and concluded that issues must be trashed as they happen. No carryover of today’s issues till the next day. We make out time to evaluate our journeys, highlighting our strengths, weaknesses and how to be a better version of ourselves.

Mrs Akintoye: My husband is one who leads by example and this has really made our journey so easy.

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

Mrs Akintoye: He luxurious doctor-patient skills is one I can’t trade for anything. Man is so in love with me and his kids and can’t hide it. I love being his wife and would chose him a million times.

Doctor Akintoye: She’s super appreciative of the slightest things. Epistles upon epistles for just doing the basic as a man and husband. Those are rare qualities these days and I love her for it.

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

Doctor Akintoye: It was initially our job routine. You know how it is when a doctor is married to a banker. You’re having a nice time together and an emergency call just come in that you have to come to the hospital immediately. However, we’re always open to amending and consider the best option in the interest of family.

Mrs. Akintoye: See, nothing can be too much of a challenge to couples willing to make things work. I know my husband’s line of work and he knows mine. We make adjustments here and there when necessary and that has really helped especially in our early days as husband and wife.

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

Mrs Akintoye: Know your partner enough to appreciate his strength and weakness.

Doctor Akintoye: Be selfish, intentional and committed to make your marriage work. It’s a journey between two adults and not a community project. Above all, do not joke with the place of God in your union.

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Both: God’s paradise!