When two single parents wrote to the POST's Lonely Hearts column 27 years ago, they never imagined finding their perfect match.
Today, Nadir and Mogie Singh share their heart-warming story of love, faith, and family.
Nadir, 58, a lubricator for a printing company, and Mogie, 54, self-employed, were both single parents when they wrote to the POST Lonely Hearts to find companionship.
They each had a four-year-old daughter at the time.
The couple from Chatsworth said they decided to take the plunge and write in because they always read the column in the POST and longed to find “loving and caring” partners.
“I used to always read the POST and came across the Lonely Hearts column. Since I have a flair for writing, I decided to put pen to paper. At the time I was a single mother and wanted to find a loving and caring partner to make a home for my daughter and I. I wanted a lovely person by my side,” said Mogie.
Mogie’s pen name was "Hearts Desires" and the message read: “Single parent with a 4-year-old daughter, would like to meet a partner between the ages of 28 to 32."
Nadir replied to Mogie’s advert in the POST, believing he had found love; as he found they had many things in common after reading her advert.
After making arrangements to meet, the couple first locked eyes in February 1998 at Christian Revival Centre in Unit 9 in Chatsworth.
“We met in the month of love. Both our families agreed to our meeting and they were thrilled about us meeting through the POST. We were both very shy when we first met. As time went by, we knew we were meant for each other. We were very excited about our relationship and before we knew it, we found love,” said Mogie.
At the time the couple met, Nadir had just graduated from Bible studies with a Bachelor of theology.
“I took Maxine, my daughter, along with me for the graduation. There was a banquet at the church. Thereafter, we went out for supper and it turned out to be a lovely evening. I was not nervous but more shy and reserved,” said Nadir.
They tied the knot nine months later, on November 27, at the Christian Revival Centre and then had a reception at Mogie’s home in Northdene.
Their daughters, Callan and Maxine, are now 32-years-old. The couple also share a son, Jared, 26.
They said they enjoyed a wonderful marriage and people were always shocked at how they met.
“People used to be surprised when we told them we met through the POST Lonely Hearts. Some of them would just jokingly say 'you both were very lonely’.
“What we love about each other is how we are always supportive and ready to assist each other. Married life has been good. But we have also had our fair share of problems. But by God's abundant grace and favour, we have had a fulfilled marriage with lots of memories,” said Mogie.
The couple said they are grateful for the POST’s Lonely Hearts column in helping them find each other.
“We owe Lonely Hearts a very big thanks as they have done a great job by having this column in the POST. It has really been a great journey. Our meeting has been one of love, joy and happiness,” said Mogie.
Plans are in the pipeline for the relaunch of the POST’s Lonely Hearts column.
The couple said they hoped that more single people would take the leap of faith.
“Do not be afraid. If you want to meet that someone special, then write in and find your match. If you believe in something, go for it and the Lonely Hearts column is the one that brings like-minded people together. When you meet the right partner, work hard at your relationship. It is all about compromise. We took a chance. See how well it turned out for us,” said Nadir and Mogie.