{"id":4765,"date":"2023-11-09T14:18:58","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T14:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/used82.com\/?p=4765"},"modified":"2023-11-09T14:18:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T14:18:58","slug":"all-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/used82.com\/?p=4765","title":{"rendered":"All critics were proven false by a couple with Down syndrome: Before tragedy hit, I had lived blissfully for 25 years."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Some people predicted that Maryanne and Tommy Pilling\u2019s relationship would not last.<\/p>\n<p>However, in July 1995, the dedicated couple with Down syndrome made the historic step of marrying.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the naysayers and obstacles, Maryanne and Tommy\u2019s love story continues to astonish and inspire many across the world.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-0\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BuUrGe4HBt9\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A955%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"746\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s been 27 years since Maryanne and Tommy Pilling made history by marrying as the first Down syndrome marriage.<br \/>\nBut life wasn\u2019t always simple for these two sweethearts. Maryanne and Tommy, both from Essex, England, overcame several obstacles. Because of their circumstances, they were subjected to discriminatory discrimination.<\/p>\n<p>The pair met at a training facility for persons who have learning disabilities. They initially met while working in the kitchen: it was love at first sight, and the two began dating.<\/p>\n<p>On May 17, 1971, Maryanne was born. Fortunately, she was reared by folks who loved her completely. Maryanne\u2019s mother and sister were both strong supports for her throughout the years. Her father, however, disowned her when she was born.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy was born on March 21, 1958, which is now recognized as \u201cWorld Down Syndrome Day.\u201d Tommy had a tough life and became an orphan when he was 12 years old. He grew up in an Essex care facility.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-1\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B4lOlE2pCj-\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A957.3000000007451%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"834\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Tommy was 32 years old when he met Maryanne. Maryanne was just 19, but the age gap didn\u2019t bother her. Linda, Maryanne\u2019s mother, described her daughter\u2019s response following their first meeting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe day Maryanne met Tommy, she came home with the biggest smile on her face,\u201d she told the Daily Mail, adding: \u201cShe came home with the biggest smile on her face.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe couldn\u2019t stop talking about him and invited him to dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Tommy and Maryanne were a perfect combination. They were both courageous people with a wide range of interests. They enjoyed cooking, watching movies, and eating out.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy felt certain Maryanne was the one for him, and 18 months after they began dating, he made the decision to marry her. But he wouldn\u2019t do anything until her mother approved.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-2\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B3K4xeWJao4\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A959.3000000007451%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"834\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Maryanne\u2019s mother and the rest of her family were apprehensive, in part because of the criticism and unfavorable reactions from their community. They eventually granted the pair their blessing, stating their bond is \u201cmagical\u201d and \u201cpure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Some people believed the notion was ridiculous and that the marriage would fail, but nothing could stop the love these two had for one another.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy and Maryanne were married in front of 250 guests on July 15, 1995, at a magnificent church in Essex. Maryanne\u2019s mother had accompanied Tommy to the ring store to verify that everything was in order.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith her beautiful white gown, tiara, and long veil, Maryanne looked like a princess.\u201d \u201cIn his made-to-measure suit, Tommy looked very dapper,\u201d Maryanne\u2019s sister, Linda Newman, wrote.<\/p>\n<p>Maryanne and Tommy exchanged vows in front of their family and friends, and they finally had their perfect wedding.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-3\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B3K4xeWJao4\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A2115.4000000003725%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"834\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-3\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy wedding day was the best day of my life,\u201d recalls Maryanne. \u201cI was shocked when Tommy proposed, but I didn\u2019t have to think twice about saying yes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>During the first seven years of their marriage, the couple shared a home with Maryanne\u2019s sister Linda. They then moved into the house next door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey get their independence, they get their private time, which I believe is essential for everyone.\u201d \u201cI\u2019m there when you need me,\u201d Linda told the Daily Mail in 2018.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-4\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B4NAcrMJJ1z\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A2146.0999999996275%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"987\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-4\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, the gorgeous pair proved all the skeptics wrong; Linda says they have encountered a lot of discrimination for being together, much of which stems from people\u2019s ignorance of Down syndrome.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey make a statement, but in a nice manner, as they go down the street holding hands\u2026 \u201cSome people stare \u2014 they think people with Down syndrome and learning disabilities can\u2019t marry,\u201d Linda told People in 2017.<\/p>\n<p>The pair has received a lot of attention and support from individuals all across the world over the years. Many people appreciated their connection and considered it as a wonderful example of unconditional love.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe get so many lovely messages from people who are inspired by their story,\u201d added Linda, who went on to say: \u201cPeople worried about their own children or grandchildren with Down Syndrome get hope from Maryanne and Tommy\u2019s story.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Maryanne\u2019s sister also started a Facebook profile for the pair, which helped them establish a large social media following. Fans may view photos and read updates from Maryanne and Tommy\u2019s daily life on the fan page.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-5\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B3K460TJVD5\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A2155.5%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"834\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-5\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Maryanne and Tommy were typical married couples who enjoyed doing things together. They saw movies, played golf, spent time with their families, and traveled.<\/p>\n<p>A grim prognosis<br \/>\nUnfortunately, the pair faced their most difficult fight when Tommy received a tragic prognosis. Tommy was diagnosed with dementia by physicians in 2014.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-6\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Btl-ZYpHFuj\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A2824.800000000745%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"834\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-6\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever seen a loved one suffer with dementia, you know how cruel and harsh it can be.<\/p>\n<p>Memory, communication, attention, logic, and visual perception are all affected, leaving patients a shell of their former self and making it incredibly difficult for family and friends to interact with them.<\/p>\n<p>Lindi Newman, Maryanne\u2019s sister, told Metro in 2019:<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-7\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B8CwCoMJ90I\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A2898%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"810\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-7\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA few times, he\u2019s forgotten who Maryanne is. It always happens at a very late hour. He pushes her away, saying, \u201cI don\u2019t know who you are\u201d and \u201cI don\u2019t love you.\u201d Maryanne takes this to heart and is devastated and frantic.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe calls me up, and I put on my shoes and walk across the street to try to calm them down.\u201d Tommy is scared as well, but he quickly forgets about it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-8\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Bg32IHSFsKa\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A2918.5999999996275%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"870\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-8\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tommy Pilling died<br \/>\n<\/strong>Tommy tested positive with COVID-19 at the end of 2019 after being brought to the hospital with suspected pneumonia.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy died two weeks after catching the illness, which proved to be a severe case. He was 62 years old at the time.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-9\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Bgrd4vvFUxm\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A3340.5%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"942\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-9\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Condolences poured in on the couple\u2019s Facebook page following the devastating news. Linda sent some heartfelt and wonderful comments about Tommy, describing him as \u201cthe best uncle my children could ever ask for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will treasure the tens of thousands of memories I have with him.\u201d Thank you for simply being you and making the world a better place by impacting the lives of millions. Linda wrote, \u201cMarriage made you my brother-in-law; love made you my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-10\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CCwww_XpPvX\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmagicalworldss.com&amp;rp=%2Fall-critics-were-proven-false-by-a-couple-with-down-syndrome-before-tragedy-hit-i-had-lived-blissfully-for-25-years%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29h-Cbq7GyTzkSjvvJU_PTZqq96TF5HAcyYBYUGHDmg5_4wDQf9Bx2mpg#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A3449.0999999996275%2C%22ls%22%3A548.0999999996275%2C%22le%22%3A949.5999999996275%7D\" height=\"746\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-10\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Linda noted in another post that Maryanne was \u201cabsolutely lost\u201d without her husband.<\/p>\n<p>People with Down syndrome are the most caring, affectionate, and innocent people. They are entitled to respect and assistance, as well as the ability to live without prejudice. I\u2019m delighted Maryanne and Tommy were able to be together and enjoy the pleasure they deserved.<\/p>\n<p>I hope Maryann gets a lot of support now that her beloved Tommy is in Heaven, RIP Tommy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some people predicted that Maryanne and Tommy Pilling\u2019s relationship would not last. However, in July&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"views":36,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4765"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4765\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/used82.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}