Everyone can confirm that love does not take into account preconceptions, expectations, or any mathematical calculation: it manifests itself in unexpected ways until someone realizes that he has found that person with whom he will spend the rest of his life. When this happens, nothing can stand in the way of love.
Maryanne and Tommy’s love story is further proof of this: they both suffered from Down syndrome and got married despite opposition from their families and others. 23 years later, they celebrate their wedding anniversary, reminding them that love can overcome any obstacle.
Maryanne and Tommy met in 1994 at a study center attended by young people with learning difficulties. Something immediately crept between them, but they were both too shy to take the first step. They hesitated for more than a year to meet until Tommy could no longer resist.
One day he appeared in front of Maryanne with a toy ring, but with a real proposal: “Do you want to marry me?” He asked her. Mary says she didn’t understand anything at the time, but she said “Yes,” because that dictated her heart.
From the beginning, their love affair was not easy: their families did not agree with each other, coming to strongly oppose when they found out about the marriage. In addition, there were a lot of false rumors about them in the city where they lived.
But Tommy and Mary were too much in love to be interested in anything but their beautiful story. Against the will of all, they came to unite their destinies through the sacred bond of marriage.
It was a wonderful day for the young couple, who probably had no idea it was just the beginning of a long love affair.
Mary and Tommy have been together for over 20 years: they just celebrated their 23rd birthday and are in love like on the first day. They love, respect, and support each other. Mary’s sister admits that the two get along very well: “they are good people, without any trace of malice. It is always a pleasure to be in their presence. ”
Unfortunately, Tommy recently discovered that he has an onset of Alzheimer’s: despite all the hardships that will follow, he does not want to give up and is determined to face life with the same smile that charmed Mary so much. As for Mary, she helps him with his small chores: Tommy will probably forget a lot of things over time, but he will hardly forget his wife.
Their photo album is full of moments spent together in complete harmony. No one would bet on their marriage, not even on the fact that they could live alone. But Tommy and Mary did everything they could to overcome the challenges of life and the disease they were suffering from.
Now we can say that we know which ingredient is responsible for so much happiness: love.
Love always wins!