Everyone doubted us from the very beginning. When Michael and I said we wanted to get married, the world seemed to lean in just to tell us no. They warned us that marriage was too hard, too serious, too heavy with responsibility — especially for two people with Down syndrome. Some spoke softly, others firmly, but the message was the same: this isn’t for you. We didn’t argue. We didn’t try to convince anyone. We simply chose each other.
Love, for us, wasn’t a grand speech — it was learning life side by side. We learned how to cook meals together, sometimes burning them, sometimes laughing through the mistakes. We learned how to keep schedules, how to manage a home, how to take care of what was ours. Michael lives with diabetes, and I’ve faced health challenges of my own. There were appointments, worries, adjustments, and fear — but never alone. We figured things out together, every step, every setback, every small victory. Together was always the answer. Then life grew bigger than we ever imagined.
We became parents. Not perfectly. Not easily. But with love. One day at a time, we raised our children — teaching them kindness, resilience, and what it looks like to show up even when you’re tired. Years passed, and somehow, we found ourselves becoming grandparents. Tiny hands, new laughter, fresh beginnings. Proof that love multiplies when you give it room to grow.
Some days were light and joyful. Other days were heavy and exhausting. But we stayed. We laughed. We held on. We chose each other not once, but every single day. That’s the part people never talk about — love isn’t proven in big moments, but in showing up when no one is watching.
After many years, we renewed our vows. Not to prove anyone wrong. Not to make a statement. We did it because we still wanted to say yes. Because love doesn’t expire. Because commitment doesn’t need permission.
People were wrong.
Our marriage is real.
Our love is real.
And it always has been.
If you believe love isn’t about labels or limitations — but about commitment, courage, and choosing each other — share this. Someone out there needs to know that love like this is possible.