In real life, Kris and Paul Scharoun-DeForge experienced a story that was reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, but it was a love that was forbidden or rather unusual. Despite the fact that their family did not prevent them from being together, society as a whole has always believed that persons with Down syndrome are incapable of having a mature love relationship, much alone a marriage that has lasted for more than twenty years.
Both of them defied the odds and demonstrated that love is not limited by any bounds.
There is no neat box that can contain love.
Love is about more than just a word. Rather, it goes beyond a state of feeling. Not at all; love is a verb. As a force, it is. It inspires individuals to do extraordinary feats and triumph over challenges that remain inconceivable. Putting something that is so full of wonder in a box, labeling it, and putting it on a shelf in a nice manner is just not possible.
There is no better example of this than the love story of Kris and Paul Scharoun-DeForge, who were both diagnosed with Down syndrome when they were youngsters. It was during a dance that the two people who were in love first met each other more than three decades ago. The connection and attraction between them was instantaneous.
After some time had passed, Kris would remark that Paul had transformed her life and that she had saw her future in his eyes on that fateful evening at the dance.
After another five years, in 1994, the couple finally tied the knot. It would be a marriage that lasted for twenty-five years, making it perhaps the longest marriage of any couple who are married and have Down syndrome. Over the course of their lives, the pair rose to prominence in the community and helped pave the road for change in regards to those who were born with developmental disabilities. Their romantic tale defied all expectations. It demonstrated to the world that individuals with impairments are capable of and do engage in romantic relationships that are meaningful.
Paul had not only completed his high school education but also had various jobs, was an expert on public transportation, and was even recognized as the Person of the Year by the ARC of Onondaga in 2013. It is unfortunate that he had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and early-stage dementia, which is a prevalent condition that affects the community of people with Down syndrome who are becoming older. Kris, with the support of her loved ones, submitted a petition to the state requesting that Paul and she be permitted to continue living in their apartment in Syracuse with the assistance of supporting personnel in order to manage his sickness in its early stages. As time went on, Paul’s health deteriorated to the point that the couple was forced to begin living apart.
Due to the fact that he required intense nursing care, he was transferred to a communal apartment. They made the most of the time they had together, which would be their last few months together, and they made sure to see one other as much as they could.
A Concluding Touch of Sorrow
At the time that Paul visited Kris at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, Kris was in the process of recuperating from her own health problems, including pneumonia. The energetic couple reaffirmed their marriage vows in the chapel of the hospital, despite the fact that both of them were confined to wheelchairs. After another half a year, the two would finally get together to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and the Harmony Katz would surprise them with a visit. When Kris was feeling particularly affectionate with her spouse, she wrapped her arms around him and listened to songs like “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” It was going to be their last day of vacation together. A lovely butterfly was drawn by Kris and hung on the wall next to Paul’s bed. In addition to that, she sent a letter to him asserting that he was the guy of her dreams.
As a result of difficulties related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Paul would pass away only a few of months after Valentine’s Day, when he was 56 years old. Kris is now a widow, having reached the age of 59. In spite of everything, their tale will continue to serve as a source of motivation and a foundation for love worldwide.