Not Every Love Story Is Picture-Perfect
You know Candace Cameron Bure as the upbeat, faith-filled actress from Full House and Fuller House. But behind the scenes, even the brightest smiles can hide heavy struggles. In a refreshingly honest moment, Candace opened up about a painful chapter in her marriage to Valeri Bure. It wasn’t a scandal. It wasn’t a breakup. But it was real—a “really, really rough season” that nearly tore them apart.
The Foundation: Married Since 1996
Let’s start at the beginning. Candace met Valeri, a former professional hockey player, in the mid-90s. They fell in love quickly and married in 1996. Over the years, they raised three children, navigated busy careers, and leaned heavily into their faith. From the outside, it looked like they had it all figured out. But the truth? Marriage is a daily choice—not just a once-in-a-lifetime promise.
When the Pandemic Changed Everything
Like many couples, Candace and Valeri were hit hard by the 2020 pandemic. Suddenly, the structure of their lives disappeared. No more travel. No more space. No more distractions. Just the two of them—home, together, every day.
What started as minor irritations grew into deeper emotional distance. Old wounds reopened. Conversations turned tense. Resentments built. They were living under one roof, but feeling miles apart.
The Moment of Realization
Candace described that time as “really, really tough.” She admitted that it wasn’t a single fight or a dramatic event that caused the strain. It was the slow, quiet unraveling that happens when issues go unspoken and feelings fester.
They weren’t shouting or slamming doors. But they were hurting. And for a while, it felt like they didn’t know how to fix it.
Unexpected Help From Their Son Lev
The turning point came in the most unexpected way—from their son, Lev.
One evening, after sensing the tension between his parents, Lev sat them down. Bible in hand, he gave what Candace described as a “45-minute sermon.” He wasn’t scolding. He wasn’t dramatic. He simply spoke from the heart.
He asked them tough questions:
Have you really done everything you can? Are you being honest with yourselves? Have you stopped choosing love?
That moment hit hard. It was a wake-up call they didn’t see coming—but one they desperately needed.
Parenting Full Circle: When the Child Becomes the Guide
What struck Candace the most wasn’t just Lev’s words—it was the wisdom behind them. Suddenly, the child she had raised was now guiding her.
That conversation reminded her of everything they’d tried to teach their kids about grace, truth, and perseverance. And now, those lessons were coming back to save their marriage.
Faith as the Anchor in the Storm
Candace has always been open about her Christian faith. During this difficult season, it became more than just a belief system—it became their anchor.
The values they held dear—kindness, humility, forgiveness—were no longer theoretical. They had to be lived out, daily, even when it was hard. Especially when it was hard.
Lev’s sermon was rooted in scripture, and his words reminded them of the vows they’d taken—not just in front of guests, but before God.
Opening the Lines of Communication
After that conversation, Candace and Valeri knew they had work to do. And it started with communication.
They carved out intentional time to talk—not just about logistics or parenting, but about their feelings, frustrations, and fears. It wasn’t easy. But it was necessary.
They discovered that some of their issues weren’t new. They had just been buried under years of busyness and distraction. Now, there was no hiding.
Choosing Grace Over Ego
One of the most powerful lessons Candace shared was the idea of extending grace—even when you don’t feel like it.
In marriage, it’s easy to keep score. It’s tempting to focus on what your partner isn’t doing, instead of what you can do differently. But Candace and Valeri realized that healing wouldn’t come from blaming each other. It would come from both of them choosing grace over ego.
Letting Go of Perfection
Despite her public image as a wholesome, always-smiling TV mom, Candace admitted that her life is far from perfect. And that’s OK.
She learned that trying to hold her marriage to a standard of perfection only added pressure. What mattered more was presence—being willing to stay, listen, apologize, and try again.
A New Season of Strength
With time, tears, and honesty, things started to shift. They weren’t magically “fixed,” but they were more connected. The walls started to come down. The tension started to ease.
Candace said that now, their marriage is in a stronger, healthier place—not because everything went back to how it was, but because they learned how to grow through it.
Seeing Their Children With New Eyes
That difficult season also helped Candace and Valeri see their children in a whole new light. Lev’s maturity and spiritual leadership gave them a sense of pride and deep respect.
As parents, they were reminded that the seeds they’d planted in their kids over the years had taken root. And in their darkest moment, it was their son who helped them see the light.
The Takeaway for Other Couples
Not every couple is going to experience a pandemic or a sermon from their child. But the lessons are universal:
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Don’t ignore the quiet drift—sometimes, that’s even more dangerous than a big fight.
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Talk before you feel like exploding.
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Let someone outside the relationship offer perspective.
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Lean into faith, even when you feel far from it.
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Grace isn’t weakness—it’s strength.
Real Love Takes Real Work
Candace and Valeri’s story is a powerful reminder that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a decision. A discipline. A practice.
Even after 29 years of marriage, they still have to choose each other daily. And that’s not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of commitment.
Conclusion: From Crisis to Connection
Marriage isn’t always a smooth ride. It’s messy. It’s frustrating. And sometimes, it’s painful. But it’s also beautiful, especially when two people are willing to do the hard work of healing.
Candace Cameron Bure and Valeri Bure faced a season that could have broken them. But with honesty, grace, and the surprising wisdom of their son, they came out stronger. Their story doesn’t offer a fairytale—but it offers something better: hope.
FAQs
1. What caused the strain in Candace and Valeri Bure’s marriage?
The pandemic created unexpected tension. Being at home together constantly uncovered emotional distance and unresolved issues in their relationship.
2. How did their son help them through the rough patch?
Their son Lev delivered a heartfelt sermon, encouraging his parents to extend grace and evaluate whether they were really doing everything they could to save the relationship.
3. Are Candace and Valeri still married?
Yes. Despite the challenges, they are still together and recently celebrated 29 years of marriage.
4. What role did faith play in their reconciliation?
Faith was central. Their beliefs gave them the language, tools, and perspective to work through conflict and choose grace over resentment.
5. What can other couples learn from their experience?
Every couple will face hard seasons. What matters most is a willingness to communicate, extend grace, and stay committed—even when it’s uncomfortable.
