Relatives of Paul and Chris believe they are the world's longest-married couple with Down syndrome - 25 years. The couple had to let go of their hands when Paul passed away in April after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Kis and Paul were born in Liverpool - a lakeside village in New York State, USA. They were diagnosed with Down syndrome at an early age, but both families resisted doctors' advice to send their children to different institutions.
In her twenties, Chris met Paul at a dance for the disabled. They love at the first sight. After years of dating, Kris bravely proposed to a boy 3 years younger than her.
"He made me laugh. I looked into Paul's eyes and saw my future, and that's when I proposed to him...and he said yes," recalls Chris.
After the wedding, the couple lived in an apartment provided by the state of New York. They all have jobs supported by local centers. In their free time, they hiked the Adirondacks together. A quarter of a century of life goes on peacefully...
However, over 5 years, the couple was forced to undergo a series of gender knowledge tests to demonstrate that they understood all the emotional and sacred values of marriage.
Chris's sister Susan, who is also a professor of psychology at Le Moyne School, said: "The outside world will think differently. But for those who love this couple, we know that they love each other with all their hearts."
But in the end, after the couple experienced all kinds of hardships and happiness, they still couldn't escape the harsh laws of life. Paul started showing symptoms of Alzheimer's, and despite Chris being there to care for him, it got worse.
"Slowly, I got used to the fact that my brothers didn't come to dinner anymore... Paul was getting weaker and weaker, he was always part of our family, but sadly Paul doesn't recognize anyone anymore, anyone anymore. ’ said Susan heartbroken, before quickly adding that Paul will always be someone to remember. "Paul looks at his wife that way every time I see Kris and we know she still recognizes the person she loves the most."
Paul passed away on April 6 at the age of 56 in the arms of Chris and his family. The couple's love lives on in the hearts of family and friends - a love that was very genuine and simple more than 25 years ago.
