Deserlys Say Respect, Love Of Family Important For Strong Relationships

Valentines Day

Back in 1991, Matt and Elizabeth Deserly were teammates on a high school cross country team in California. At that time, Matt only knew his future wife as the younger sister of his best friend.

A person could feel that Cupid arrived when Matt said Elizabeth’s brother injured himself when he was “goofing around and slipped.” Matt and Elizabeth rushed to the hospital because of concerns about the accident.

“Our first date was at the hospital, holding her hand,” Matt said. “We’ve been holding hands ever since.”

He was a high school junior while she was a freshman. They kept getting closer and closer. They even teamed up for a first-place effort in the school’s science fair. Although neither were standouts, they also stayed members of the cross country team.

“I just kept doing it so we could see each other,” Elizabeth said of cross country.

The relationship resulted in a 1995 wedding. His proposal came in the form of a letter when they were attending separate church camps.

“It was a week, but as a teenager, it seemed like a year,” Matt said about being separated during the camps.

The proposal didn’t come as a surprise to Elizabeth. “I was already practicing writing his last name,” she laughed.

As they approach their 30th wedding anniversary later this year, they have 12 children including five natural one and seven relatives. Ages range from 4 to 22 years old.

The newest addition for the Deserlys is the Wolf Point General Mercantile, which the family opened last July.

“We’re very busy, but we’re doing it as a family,” Elizabeth said.

Many family members work at the business as Elizabeth teaches her daughters how to cook in the kitchen. Matt feels it’s beneficial to instruct the youngsters how to be strong employees and learn proper customer service.

Knowing the couple can count on each other is a key for the operations of the successful restaurant and store. Disagreements between the two are few.

“We’ve always been friends,” Elizabeth said. “We get along with and support each other. We trust each other. We know each other will get things done.”

Prior to the business, they each worked at home so they are accustomed to seeing each other throughout the day.

“This is better,” Matt said. “Before, I had to be quiet when she was on the phone. Now, we’re on the same page.”

As Valentines Day nears, they are thankful for their relationship, that they truly respect each other and that they support each other’s goals.

“We treat each other as they are indispensable,” Matt said.

Elizabeth noted, “I couldn’t ever imagine being with anybody else.”

That’s not to say that every day is a walk in the park. “We sometimes go to bed mad, but we get over it,” Elizabeth said.

His parents, Kathy and Lannie Deserly, have been married since 1972 and are examples of a long-lasting relationship.

“My parents always had a certain way of dreaming together and that’s how this place was made up,” Matt said of the Wolf Point General Mercantile. “My parents had the dream, and we did it.”

Although Matt and Elizabeth realize Friday, Feb. 14, is Valentines Day, they appreciate all days with each other.

“We wish the same for other couples — love and support for their families for the long term,” Elizabeth said.

Matt added, “If we get through things together, you will be better.”