Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Candace Cameron Bure recently recounted a challenging period in her nearly 30-year marriage to Valeri Bure, shedding light on the unexpected role their son, Lev, played in their reconciliation.
On a recent episode of “The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast,” the 49-year-old actress opened up about her marital struggles with Valeri, a former professional hockey player, especially during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Facing Marital Challenges
Candace revealed that their relationship hit a particularly low point, stating, “Val and I went through a really, really rough season in our marriage.” During this time, uncertainties loomed, causing them to question the strength of their bond.
She recalled a moment when they both felt as if their marriage might not survive. “It was going south quickly, and we were like, ‘I don’t know if we’re gonna make it through,’” she said, reflecting on the gravity of their situation.
A Son’s Courageous Dialogue
In a remarkable turn of events, Lev, now 25, stepped forward to address his parents when he sensed their struggles. Candace described how her son, alongside his siblings, Natasha and Maksim, initiated a serious conversation with them.
“Lev was the one leading the charge,” she explained. “He came up to us and said, ‘We’d like to talk to you guys.'” It was during this heart-to-heart that Lev delivered a profound 45-minute sermon on the essence of marriage. He referenced his Bible, providing insights that left an indelible mark on his parents.
Wisdom Beyond Years
Despite his young age, Lev’s heartfelt message held significant weight. Candace recounted his words: “I know I haven’t been married. I’m just a young kid. But I don’t need to be married to know what the word of God says.” His confidence and sincerity resonated strongly, demonstrating that sometimes, wisdom transcends life experience.
Lev tackled difficult questions during this pivotal discussion, asking his mother and father whether they had done everything in their power to save their marriage. Candace remembered his direct inquiry, ensuring they reflected on their capacity for grace and kindness towards one another.
“He looked us straight in the eye and asked, ‘Have you done everything you can? Is there just a bit more grace you could give Val?’” she recalled, emphasizing the impact of Lev’s thoughtful approach.
Transformative Impact on the Family
The conversation proved to be a turning point. “We walked away from that feeling like we raised some pretty good kids,” Candace shared, recognizing the maturity and insight her son displayed. It illuminated the complexities of adult relationships through the fresh perspective of their child.
Following this conversation, both Candace and Val felt a renewed sense of hope and commitment to their marriage. “It was so in our face, but that was like the pivotal moment,” Candace noted. “It really changed for us after that talk.” These revelations highlighted the power of family support during tough times.
A Message of Gratitude
Candace expressed sincere gratitude towards her children for their unwavering support throughout their journey. “I never thought there would be a day I’d listen to an 18-year-old or a 20-year-old kid,” she remarked, acknowledging the unexpected source of inspiration.
Alongside Lev, the podcast episode featured pastor and author Jonathan Pokluda, who engaged with Lev and discussed the emotional weight of the conversation he had with his parents. Lev responded candidly, revealing that his motivations stemmed from a place of love, noting, “We wanted our parents to be together, but ultimately this would only happen through Jesus.”
A Love Story That Endures
Candace and Valeri’s story began in 1994 when they met through her “Full House” co-star Dave Coulier at a charity hockey game. Their engagement followed in June 1995, culminating in marriage the next year.
On June 22, Candace honored her husband on their 29th wedding anniversary via an Instagram tribute. She shared a nostalgic photo from their first date at Valeri’s practice rink in Canada, reflecting on the beautiful family they built together.
“We grew a beautiful family,” she captioned the post, expressing her deep love and fondness for Valeri as her best friend.
Looking Ahead
Lev recently became the first of Candace’s children to marry, tying the knot with Elliott Dunham in January 2024. Candace expressed immense joy over this milestone, celebrating the growth of their family.
As she shared her happiness on social media, she communicated her delight in gaining a daughter and forming a wonderful bond that reinforces their family unit. “I have an overwhelming sense of love, joy, peace and contentment thanks to God’s blessing of family and friendship,” she added thoughtfully, her heart full with gratitude.
