RD201902

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But this year’s Valentine’s Day may
be the most eventful one yet. That’s
because it is their 25th as husband
and wife, a landmark that would be
noteworthy for most couples but
is extraordinary for the Scharoun-
DeForges. They were both born with
Down syndrome and are believed to
be the longest-married couple with
the condition in the country.


At the time of their wedding, some
folks believed that people with Down
syndrome didn’t have the emotional
maturity to be married. Kris, who as
a girl used to cut wedding photos
from magazines and hang them on
her wall, knew better. “I looked into
his eyes and saw my future,” Kris said
about falling in love with Paul when
they first met at a dance 30 years

rd.com 27

Kris and Paul
enjoy a quiet
moment at the
apartment
they shared.
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