Love is a beautiful thing, but for many of us, it can feel fleeting at times. They say that there is someone out there for all of us, but sometimes that can start to feel not quite true, at least for some of us. If you’re out there and you feel like your soulmate is taking a mighty long time to come around, have faith. No matter where you are or where you come from, someone out there is sure to love you, and you, in return, will fall head-over-heels for them someday. If you need an example to help you be inspired, just take a look at this beautiful love story of a couple that lived a happy life together.
A Love That Defied Expectations
Paul Sciarra and Krishna Forage first met in the 1980s while attending a dance for people with disabilities. The mutual attraction was instantaneous, and the pair went on to date for many years. However, they faced various hurdles when trying to get married. They had to prove to the state that they understood what they were consenting to by getting married. This included taking Planned Parenthood sponsored classes and sitting tests which measured their understanding of sexual knowledge, feelings, and needs.
A Five-Year Engagement
After facing these challenges, Paul and Krishna were finally permitted to marry in 1993. In an unusual move for the time, they combined their surnames, with Krishna’s surname coming first. They were determined to show the world that their love was just as valid and meaningful as anyone else’s.
Full and Productive Lives Together
The couple, described as popular and well-liked, led full and productive lives together, defying expectations. Paul worked at Arc of Onondaga’s workshop, an organization for those with disabilities. Chris, on the other hand, was employed at Pizza Hut before working at the New York State Office for people with developmental disabilities. They would vacation together in the Adirondack Mountains to celebrate their anniversaries, were proud grandparents, and felt themselves to be very lucky.
A Tragic Goodbye
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and theirs was a tragic one. After battling Alzheimer’s disease, Paul Sciarra forged passed away in April at the age of 56. He left behind his adored wife of 25 years, who is currently 59 years old. Relatives believe that the couple had shared the longest marriage ever recorded between two people with Down syndrome, and they have described them as role models.
A True Inspiration
It is certainly sad to hear that such a loving couple had to be separated in such a tragic way. But as they say, it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Our hearts go out to Chris as losing a spouse is one of the most devastating losses one can experience. She’s an elderly woman now, and perhaps she saw this coming eventually, but it would still undoubtedly hit her hard.
Moving Forward with Cherished Memories
Hopefully, Chris can move on with her life while keeping her loving husband’s memory close. One day, hopefully not too soon, they can meet again in a better place. Theirs was a love story that defied expectations and showcased the power of love and commitment. We can only hope to find the kind of love and connection that Paul and Chris shared.
If you want to read more heartwarming and insightful stories like this one, explore Top X for more captivating narratives that celebrate the extraordinary in everyday life.
