{"id":956,"date":"2024-02-19T20:44:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T20:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/?p=956"},"modified":"2024-02-19T20:44:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T20:44:23","slug":"couple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/?p=956","title":{"rendered":"Couple with Down syndrome proved all doubters wrong: Lived happily for 25 years before tragedy struck"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>When Maryanne and Tommy Pilling fell in love, some people told them it wouldn\u2019t last.<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"311fe198f191a864c1efcdfa9efedfdf\" data-index=\"3\" style=\"float: none; margin:0px 0 0px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1782571\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>But in July 1995, the devoted couple who had\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.newsner.com\/tag\/downs-syndrome\/\">Down syndrome<\/a> took the groundbreaking step of getting\u00a0married.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Despite all the haters all the hurdles they faced, Maryanne and Tommy\u2019s love story continues to amaze and inspire thousands worldwide.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><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=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A972.7999999523163%7D\" height=\"847\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s been 27 years since Maryanne and Tommy Pilling made world history by becoming the first-ever couple with Down syndrome to marry.<br \/>\nBut it wasn\u2019t always easy for these two lovebirds. Maryanne and Tommy, both from Essex, England, faced countless challenges. They experienced the cruelty of prejudice from bigoted people due to their condition.<\/p>\n<p>The couple met at a training center for people with learning difficulties. They first laid eyes on each other while working in the kitchen: it was love at first sight, and the two started dating.<\/p>\n<p>Maryanne was born on May 17, 1971. Thankfully, she was raised by people who loved her unconditionally. Both Maryanne\u2019s mother and sister were important pillars for her throughout the years. But, unfortunately, her father rejected her after she was born.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy came into the world on March 21, 1958 \u2013 a date that is now known as \u201cWorld Down Syndrome Day.\u201d Tommy had a difficult childhood and became an orphan at 12. He grew up in a care home in Essex.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><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=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A978.0999999046326%7D\" height=\"935\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>When Tommy met Maryanne, he was 32. Maryanne was only 19, but the age difference wasn\u2019t a barrier. Maryanne\u2019s mom Linda recalled her daughter\u2019s reaction after their first meeting.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-b2a134bd2feffef2246c50b448fbce2e\" class=\"newsner-b2a134bd2feffef2246c50b448fbce2e newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<p>\u201cThe day Maryanne met Tommy, she came home with the biggest smile on her face,\u201d she told\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/femail\/article-5950311\/First-Downs-syndrome-couple-marry-mark-anniversary-Morning.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Daily Mail<\/a> and continued:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe couldn\u2019t stop talking about him\u00a0and asked if he could come for dinner.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy and Maryanne were a match made in heaven. They were both brave souls who shared many interests. They loved cooking, watching movies, and dining at restaurants.<\/p>\n<p>Tommy was confident Maryanne was the one for him, and 18 months after they started dating, he firmly decided that he wanted to make Maryanne his wife. But he wouldn\u2019t go through with it until her mother agreed.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-130d58026622e11eeb2f77f6b274563b\" class=\"newsner-130d58026622e11eeb2f77f6b274563b newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><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=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A996.1999998092651%7D\" height=\"935\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Maryanne\u2019s\u00a0mother and the rest of her\u00a0family were hesitant, in part because\u00a0of all of the criticism and negative reactions\u00a0from people in their local community. But in the end, they ultimately gave the couple their blessings,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/femail\/article-5950311\/First-Downs-syndrome-couple-marry-mark-anniversary-Morning.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">saying the<\/a>\u00a0couple\u2019s relationship is \u201cmagical\u201d and \u201cpure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Some people still thought the idea was absurd and that the union\u00a0wouldn\u2019t last \u2013 but nothing could stop the love these two had for one another.<\/p>\n<p>On July 15, 1995, Tommy and Maryanne got married in front of 250 guests in a beautiful church in Essex. Maryanne\u2019s mother had accompanied Tommy to buy the ring to ensure everything was perfect.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-3\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B4NAcrMJJ1z\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A2413.5999999046326%7D\" height=\"1113\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-3\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>\u201cMaryanne looked like a princess in her beautiful white dress, tiara, and long veil. Tommy looked very dapper in his made-to-measure suit,\u201d Maryanne\u2019s sister, Linda Newman,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovewhatmatters.com\/they-cant-read-or-write-they-dont-understand-danger-or-time-but-they-understand-pure-love-and-theyve-felt-it-for-29-years-married-couple-now-longest-living-pair-with-down-syndrome-s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">wrote<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-fd923cb108ce64b32bdd750181ca2aa0\" class=\"newsner-fd923cb108ce64b32bdd750181ca2aa0 newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<p>In front of their family and friends, Maryanne and Tommy made\u00a0their vows and they finally got their dream wedding.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy wedding was the best day of my life,\u201d Maryanne\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/viralslot.com\/people\/couple-with-down-syndrome-have-been-married-for-24-years-and-are-celebrating-their-anniversary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">says<\/a>. \u201cI was shocked when Tommy proposed, but I didn\u2019t have to think twice about saying yes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The couple lived together with Maryanne\u2019s sister Linda during the first seven years of their married life. After that, they moved into the house next door.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey get their independence, they get their private time which I think is so important for everybody. It works very well, I\u2019m there they you need me,\u201d Linda told\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-2596424\/Olsen-twins-sleeping-John-Stamos-getting-high-Whip-Its-Bob-Sagets-hilarious-confessions-Full-House-dad.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Daily Mail<\/a>\u00a0in 2018.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-d10c1975a76f73e6660f0520334318f1\" class=\"newsner-d10c1975a76f73e6660f0520334318f1 newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-4\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B3K460TJVD5\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A2514.7999999523163%7D\" height=\"935\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-4\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Thankfully, the beautiful couple proved all the doubters wrong \u2013 Linda says they have faced a lot of prejudice for being together, mostly coming from people\u2019s ignorance surrounding Down syndrome.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen they walk down the street holding hands they make a statement, but in a good way\u2026 Some people stare \u2014 they assume\u00a0people with Down Syndrome and learning difficulties\u00a0can\u2019t get married,\u201d Linda told\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/human-interest\/couple-with-down-syndrome-celebrate-22-years-of-happy-marriage\/?xid=socialflow_facebook_peoplemag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">People<\/a>\u00a0in 2017.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-5\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Btl-ZYpHFuj\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A2856.0999999046326%7D\" height=\"935\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-5\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Over the years, the couple gained a lot of attention and support from people worldwide. Many admired their relationship and saw it as a perfect example of love with no boundaries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe get so many lovely messages from people who are inspired by their story,\u201d Linda said and continued: \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 created a Facebook page, which helped the couple gain a huge social media following. Through the fan page, fans could see pictures and read updates from Maryanne and Tommy\u2019s\u00a0day-to-day lives.<\/p>\n<p>Maryanne and Tommy loved to do things together and lived like most other married couples. They went to the movies, golfed, spent time with their families, and traveled.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-6\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B8CwCoMJ90I\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A3489.0999999046326%7D\" height=\"911\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-6\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Devastating diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, the couple would face their most brutal battle as Tommy got a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.newsner.com\/family\/down-syndrome-couple-married-for-24-years-face-being-torn-apart-by-dementia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">devastating diagnosis<\/a>. Back in 2014, the doctors discovered that Tommy had dementia.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever witnessed a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.newsner.com\/tag\/family\/\">loved one<\/a>\u00a0battling\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.newsner.com\/tag\/dementia\/\">dementia<\/a>, you\u2019ll know just how horrible and unforgiving it can be.<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-8a3bb11f4f3fb95869200ebb75fff084\" class=\"newsner-8a3bb11f4f3fb95869200ebb75fff084 newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe id=\"instagram-embed-7\" class=\"instagram-media instagram-media-rendered\" src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BiClqxEHCHW\/embed\/captioned\/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A3498.199999809265%7D\" height=\"971\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-7\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The condition impairs a host of functions, including memory, communication, focus, reasoning, and visual perception, leaving sufferers a shell of their former selves, and making it extremely difficult for family and friends to connect with them.<\/p>\n<p>Maryanne\u2019s sister Lindi Newman talked to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2019\/09\/13\/britains-first-couple-downs-syndrome-get-married-face-torn-apart-10734330\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Metro<\/a> in 2019 and said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s forgotten who Maryanne is a handful of times. It always happens really late at night. He pushes her away and says, \u2018I don\u2019t know who you are\u2019 and \u2018I don\u2019t love you\u2019. Maryanne takes that to heart and is absolutely crushed and hysterical.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201dShe calls me up and I throw on my shoes and go across the road to try and calm them down. It\u2019s scary for Tommy too, but then he forgets anything has happened.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsner-6a4e39a6ac199d74e817e801e997ed33\" class=\"newsner-6a4e39a6ac199d74e817e801e997ed33 newsner-amp_article_inside_content\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><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=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A3544.0999999046326%7D\" height=\"971\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-8\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tommy Pilling death<\/h2>\n<p>At the end of 2019, Tommy tested positive for COVID-19 as he was admitted to the hospital with suspected pneumonia.<\/p>\n<p>It proved to be a severe case, and two weeks after contracting the virus, Tommy passed away. He was 62 years old.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><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=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A4340.699999809265%7D\" height=\"1043\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-9\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Following the tragic news, condolences flooded into the couple\u2019s Facebook page. Linda wrote some beautiful and heartbreaking words, describing Tommy as \u201dthe best uncle my children could ever ask for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will cherish the thousands of memories I have with him. Thank you for being you and making the world a better place, touching the lives of millions just by being you. Marriage made you my brother-in-law, love made you my brother,\u201d Linda wrote.<\/p>\n<p>In another update, Linda stated that Maryanne was\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/maryanneandtom\/posts\/2233273053473225\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u201cabsolutely lost\u201d<\/a>\u00a0without her husband.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><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=960&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fen.newsner.com&amp;rp=%2Ffamily%2Fcouple-with-down-syndrome-proved-all-doubters-wrong-lived-happily-for-25-years-before-tragedy-struck%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0zB8c-cgH8GoLt1xhf6iRt1zL0AofmvJKi03XyE0WvyYEVcrGlXbettIQ#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A4393.099999904633%7D\" height=\"847\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-instgrm-payload-id=\"instagram-media-payload-10\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong>People with Down syndrome are absolutely the most loving, affectionate, and pure. They deserve respect and support, and to be able to live without prejudice.<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>I am glad that Maryanne and Tommy could be together and experience the happiness that they deserved.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Love knows no boundaries, I hope Maryann has plenty of support now her beloved Tommy is in Heaven, RIP Tommy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When Maryanne and Tommy Pilling fell in love, some people told them it wouldn\u2019t last. But in July 1995, the devoted couple who had\u00a0Down syndrome took the&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":957,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=956"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":958,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/956\/revisions\/958"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/findpath.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}