For years, Chris Scharoun DeForge had a Valentine's Day routine. She celebrated like clockwork with her husband Paul Scharoun DeForge. On Valentine's Day they would go out to eat, maybe at Red Lobster or Olive Garden. They were celebrating each other.
But this year's Valentine's Day may be the most unusual one yet. That's because it is their 25th as husband and wife, a landmark that would be significant for most couples but it's 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 like them didn't have the emotional maturity to be married. Chris, 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,” Chris said about falling in love with Paul when they first met at a dance 30 years ago.
Still, they have had their struggles. And the most recent one may be the most monumental (极大的). This year's Valentine's Day is the first on which they won't be living together. Paul, 54, is coping with early stage dementia, an illness that affects many with his condition at a relatively young age. Several months ago, the state moved him into a community residence (住处) with intensive nursing care while Chris still lives in their cozy apartment in Liverpool.
Of course Chris doesn't want to be without him. Their family worked hard to keep them together. They even found a new apartment that met the state's standards. At first, the state agreed-a huge victory-but Paul's condition continued to deteriorate. By that time he was using a wheelchair and required round-the-clock care. The state decided he needed to move to the facility after all.
The couple is disappointed but not scared. Chris visits Paul regularly and they spend weekends together. Chris’s sister said they had an unconditional and sweet love.
【小题1】Why is this year’s Valentine’s Day special to the Scharoun DeForges?| A．They will go out to eat at Red Lobster. |
| B．Their marriage was believed not to last so long. |
| C．They won’t be living together for the first time. |
| D．It is their 25th as a couple despite their Down syndrome. |
| A．change | B．better | C．worsen | D．switch |
| A．They fell in love with each other at first sight. |
| B．They still can meet each other on a regular basis. |
| C．They had difficulty celebrating Valentine's Day together. |
| D．They moved into a community residence together. |
| A．Struggles against Down syndrome | B．A love without limits |
| C．A Valentine’s Day’s celebration | D．A couple forced to get separated |
