The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
Most couples share a lot of things. Some might even share a toothbrush but rarely would one come across a couple, married couple that shares a birthday.
They call them names ranging from “wonder couple” to “terrible twins” and even attach some negative connotations because they were all born on the same date.
But for the couple, Trinos Sithole (42) and his wife, Lorcadia Tatenda Sithole (38) the situation is a blessing and they regard it as God’s way of fuelling their love.
To many, the month of September is associated with superstitious things and most families embark on traditional ceremonies including rain-making ceremonies. But for the Kwekwe couple, 8 September to be precise, is a day they cherish as the couple jointly celebrate their birthday.
Every September Trinos, a Process Technician based in Sierra Leon, travels miles to be with his better half on their birthday.
Trinos was born on the date in 1975 in Kwekwe while Tatenda was to be born seven years later in Kadoma. Blessed with three children, their second born eightyear-old Elroy Trinos should have been born on the same day but due to “logistic challenges” he would be born on 10 September, narrowly missing the famous date.
Tatenda’s sister Manfred, who stayed with her when she met Trinos, was also born on the same date in 1970 making it three family members who celebrate their birthday on the same day.
“I was staying with my sister Manfred in Norton in 1999 when I met him. I was on my way to church and he had visited his friend who was our neighbour and he was the one who told him about me,” Tatenda, a primary school teacher, opened up.
“He gave one of my friends a paper with his phone number after I refused to entertain him. But I later called him and we became friends,” said Tatenda.
It took Tetenda time to believe that Trinos was born on the same day with her, and the equally shocked Manfred insisted he produce his identity card for proof.
“At first I thought he had been told our birthdays by his friend, but still we did not talk that much with him so we asked him to produce his identification. And when he did we were all shocked and we could not believe it,” she explained.
This had an impact in their live life, according to Trinos.
“We had been friends now and we were meeting regularly, but when we discovered it, it sparked an inflammable bond between us. We became madly in love but, unfortunately I had to wait until she finished her Advanced Level and I went through the marriage process in 2002.”
How did the two families receive the news?
“The move united our families and there is so much bond between our families. Even though her parents are all late she found love from my parents who refer to her as my twin. Even if we forget about celebrating our birthday, our families would never forget that and they always have something in place for us as it brings the family together,” he said.
If only Tatenda did not miss the operation, Elroy would have been the fourth member of the family to be born on 8 September. But the family have accepted it and moved on but still they have their birthday together with him.
“All our three children were born through an operation. Our second born was supposed to have been born on 8 September in 2010. Everything had been set for the operation at Topomas Clinic in Kwekwe. Unfortunately, she had to be transferred to Gweru where she was to later give birth on 10 September. But we accepted it as it came,” said Trinos.
The birthday celebrations now serves as a family gathering where the two families meet to celebrate the birthday of the four family members as well as to meet with their loved ones who would be overseas.
Manfred is now based in South Africa with her family, but also attends the birthday celebrations together with her family.
“My job takes me to a lot of countries, but currently I am based in Sierra Leone. I make it a point that no matter what happens I am home with my loved ones to celebrate our birthday. It is the most special thing that has ever happened to me,” he said.
If there was a way, the two would certainly make an application to die on the same day.
