FEBRUARY 2023

Above: The Pauls enjoy a dance together.
Right: The Denha’s wedding portrait.
kind, has always helped her around the house and
has always been nice to her. He says she’s kind and
good, a good wife and mom. He also thinks she’s
pretty and a good cook. They both seem happy.
Francis sums it up nicely: “Our love built this
house.”
The Denhas
Meet Mike and Nedal Denha. They met in the United
States in 1968. Both were here, trying to make a living
in a new land independent from their parents.
Describing their marriage as a “true partnership,”
the Denhas tied the knot 55 years ago and have been
growing their relationship ever since.
In true Chaldean fashion, it was family that made
the match. (After all, it is a matter of fact that God will
use family members to manifest His will.) Nedal’s uncle,
John George, sent her to apply for a job with his
nephew, Mike George. Thomas Denha, there on business
with Mike, happened to get a glimpse of Nedal
and said to himself, “She would be a great catch for
Cousin Mike” (Denha). Thomas proceeded to plan a
family gathering that would bring the two together.
The rest, as they say, is history.
A letter was sent to Nedal’s parents in Baghdad, asking
for their permission to marry their daughter to Mike.
The Denhas were very well known in Iraq as makers
of tahini and their family was held in high regard, so
about a month later, blessings were sent for the union.
Nedal was happy with the match. “He was handsome,
a real gentleman,” she recalls. “He was also
humble and kind.”
As for Mike, he was wowed. “She was a very beautiful
girl, polite, respectful, and soft-spoken.”
Their first date was spent discussing all manner
of things. In a little restaurant on 7 Mile Road in
Detroit, Mike and Nedal talked about life, family,
Chaldean culture, and building the future—including
what they wanted for their kids and agreeing
on the importance of education.
They each spoke three languages – Arabic, English,
and Sureth. Growing up in Baghdad, Nedal’s
main language was Arabic, although her parents
spoke Sureth in the home. Mike, from Tel Kaif, spoke
in Sureth but was also fluent in Arabic and English.
The three languages competed to be the main one,
and Sureth survived.
Five months after their initial meeting, they were
wed in a ceremony that included most of the Chaldeans
in Michigan. “We were one big family,” said
Mike. “When someone got married, we pretty much
invited everyone in the community.”
Nedal had a small engagement party at her aunt’s
home, but the wedding was such a celebration that
Mike worried about the attendees getting home safely,
having had “too much fun.”
Much like the Pauls’ wedding, the ceremony was
extended. Mike and Nedal were married at noon,
then driven to their separate homes to prepare for the
rest of the day. Mike and the limo driver picked Nedal
up at 7PM to attend the wedding reception; from then
on, they lived as husband and wife.
For Nedal, the big realization was, “I’m not going
home anymore.” To be more accurate, her home had
changed. Home was now wherever Mike was. On this
foundation, they built an amazing legacy.
Along with all the Chaldean traditions they
brought into the marriage, the Denhas added their
own throughout the years. One that has passed on
to their children is the practice of planning not only
family vacations, but couples vacations, date nights,
and dinner with friends. Taking time for themselves
and each other was quite modern thinking for the
time but has come to be known as a “secret ingredient”
for couples today.
The communication that began on their first date
has served them well throughout the years, raising 6
children in a tight-knit family and still enjoying each
other’s company. In 1998, Mike and Nedal met Pope
(Saint) John Paul II on one of their anniversary trips.
That experience would be hard to beat. When asked
what they plan to do for their next anniversary, the
answer was spending it with family, talking about the
future.
Their best advice to young couples? Learn how to
compromise. That doesn’t mean always giving in, but
rather listening to each other and respecting the others’
feelings. Faith in God is critical, but faith in each other is
important as well. That comes from honest communication,
understanding, and trust. It builds over time.
And don’t lose your sense of humor. “We laugh
a lot.” Mike additionally offers, “Serve each other.”
Going into a marriage with high expectations almost
certainly guarantees dissatisfaction. Nedal gave this
advice to her children before they married: “Forgive.
Be faithful. Be honest. Communicate.”
How do they resolve disagreements? You wait a
bit and cool down before talking, they both agree.
And remember your favorite things about each other.
For Mike, that’s his bride’s amount of love for her
family. In addition to being a terrific mother, Nedal
kept a good relationship with his side of the family.
That’s important, especially in the Chaldean culture.
“She’s always been there when I needed her,” Mike
says with a smile.
“I love and respect how humble Mike is,” says
Nedal. “He’s a hard worker who provides well and
gives unconditional love to his family.
“Most of all,” says Nedal with a twinkle in her
eye, “he loves my cooking.”
Enough said.
FEBRUARY 2023 CHALDEAN NEWS 17