It takes a lot of work to keep a marriage together. We’re frequently bombarded with heartbreaking stories about Hollywood couples splitting up, which exacerbates the myth that love can’t endure. Are happily ever afters really so difficult to come by these days?
As a result of this stigma, it is difficult for persons with special needs to be married. Many people believe that persons with Down’s syndrome are incapable of taking care of themselves, so how can they raise a family?
They are the first Down’s Syndrome couple to be married in the United Kingdom. When they tied the knot in an Essex church two decades ago, their relationship was met with doubt and hostility.
Their love for one another finally led to their marriage as two persons with Down’s syndrome. Their romance was seen by many as doomed from the outset. However, they were able to show that their love outlasted their circumstances by being married. The pair, who have been married for 22 years, celebrated their wedding anniversary in 2017.
For 18 months in 1991, Maryanne and Tommy were together before Tommy proposed. Millions of people expressed their gratitude and respect for the couple’s accomplishment of 22 years of marriage on social media.
During the celebration of their anniversary, the couple re-enacted their first dance from Dirty Dancing. Despite the large crowd, the pair danced as if they were the only ones in the room.
“My wedding was the best day of my life. I was shocked when Tommy proposed but I didn’t have to think twice about saying yes,” Maryanne shared to Independent.co.uk.
“Tommy and I never argue. I love my husband very much. He is my best friend,” she continued.
To help out with any activities that Maryanne’s sister Lindi Newman needs assistance with, Maryanne’s family resides only down the street.
The couple’s bond becomes deeper, and they show that being married was the right choice for them. During this time, the pair is appreciative of the support they’ve received from family and friends, particularly Maryanne’s mother, who firmly believed in their plans.
The decision to allow the two to marry was met with a great deal of criticism, but Maryanne’s mother was certain that it was theirs to make.
“Maryanne had dreamed about a big white wedding since she was a little girl and that’s exactly what she had. It was a beautiful day,” Maryanne’s sister talked about why her mom agreed to her sister’s marriage.
As Ms. Newman went on to point out, the connection between the pair is a wonderful example.
“When they walk down the street holding hands they make a statement but in a good way. Some people stare, they assume people with Down’s syndrome and learning difficulties can’t get married. But we also get so many lovely messages from people who are inspired by their story,” she said.
“People worried about their own children or grandchildren with Down’s syndrome get hope from Maryanne and Tommy’s story, hope that their children can also fall in love and live happily ever after,” she noted.
Maryanne’s sister maintains a Facebook page for the pair. The couple’s Facebook page is a visual diary of their lives together, with sweet images documenting their romantic moments. They visited an aquarium and an Elvis Presley museum in one of the images.
Many individuals are wishing them well and expressing their congratulations.
Watch Tommy and Maryanne’s heartwarming love tale and believe once again that love can overcome anything.