VIDEO: The emotional story of this couple, where both have Down syndrome

A lot of people assume that those suffering from Down syndrome have a rather sad life, where their quality of living is badly damaged by their condition and thus, they are forced to miss on rather many important things. Despite these assumptions, Maryanne and Tommy Pilling turned out to prove that their love was stronger than the Down syndrome and that they can have a perfectly normal and happy marriage, full of love, compassion and understanding.

Maryanne and Tommy Pilling met at a local training center for people with learning difficulties. Their love story didn’t need much time to start, so the two quickly started dating, leading to a sweet and innocent relationship. After only 18 months of dating, Tommy realized that Maryanne was the one for him and asked her to marry him. His proposal was both unusual and adorable, as Tommy decided to ask Maryanne to share his life with him with the help of a toy ring.

Tommy went as far as asking Maryanne’s mother for permission so that he could marry her daughter, proving just how much he valued the concept of a family and how much he cared about the opinion of the people that are important in his bride’s life. Maryanne’s mother gave her blessing with all of her heart, but that doesn’t mean that everybody agreed with her and her daughter’s choice. Maryanne’s sister, Linda Newman, declared that Maryanne’s mother received “a lot of flak” for supporting her daughter’s marriage.

Nevertheless, the pair tied the knot in July 1995 and shared a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by family and friends. Maryanne’s mother was so excited about their marriage that she even took Tommy to a jewellery shop, so that he could buy a proper ring for her. All this made the day truly special, as Maryanne had always dreamed of having a “big white wedding”, which she did have.

The two are still together and are going strong, proving that love simply does not listen to limitations posed by such conditions. What is even more impressive is the fact that they have an age difference of 13 years, which most people would see as an extra obstacle in their relationship. Maryanne and Tommy’s love, though, is going as strong as the time they started dating. “They love one another dearly, respect one another and are completely honest,” says Linda Newman.

When reminiscing about her wedding day, Maryanne Pilling is completely adorable and gushes about her husband. “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. Tommy and I never argue. I love my husband very much. He is my best friend,” she says.

It is no surprise that their inspiring story serves as an example to many people that have relatives suffering from Down syndrome, giving them hope that they can still enjoy life and have beautiful experiences that bring them happiness and tranquility but, most importantly, that bring them love.