Boston Marathon Bombing Victims Who Wed After Tragedy Separate After 10 Months of Marriage
A couple injured in the Boston marathon bombing has separated after 10 months of marriage.
Rebekah Gregory, 27, and Pete DiMartino, 30, captured the heart of the nation in 2013 when they found happiness together after experiencing a horrific tragedy. Gregory lost half her left leg after 30 operations in the April 15, 2013 blast, while DiMartino lost 90 percent of an achilles tendon and suffered a ruptured eardrum.
Despite being gravely injured in the bombing, they got engaged months later and went on to wed last year in a lavish ceremony.
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"After the decision was made to amputate my leg in November, I found myself having to make an even more painful choice, to separate from my husband Pete," Gregory said in a statement to people.com. "Over the last several months I've come to realize that going through such a horrific event together put a fast-forward on our relationship that we each handled differently."
The couple, who had known each other for a year, was at the finish line of the marathon watching DiMartino's mom complete the race when the first bomb went off.
After months of both physical and spiritual healing, they got engaged and went on to tie the knot in an emotional ceremony in April 2014 in Asheville, North Carolina.
Gregory, who has a son from a previous relationship, said despite being rooted in her faith and having strong values, she feels content about her decision to end her marriage to DiMartino.
"While my heart is beyond broken, I have a certain peace knowing from day one, I truly gave it my all, and have been fully invested in keeping this marriage, and my commitment before God," Gregory explained. "I still love Pete with all of my heart and ask that everyone respect our privacy as we try to figure out our next steps. As for now, I am focused on doing what I feel is best for my son and I, and will concentrate my time on healing, both physically and emotionally."
Gregory, who now spreads messages of hope as a motivational speaker, is leaning on faith during this challenging time.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20," she wrote, quoting scripture via her Facebook page.
On Sunday she uplifted congregants at Houston's First Baptist Church.
"Giving God all the glory for the unbelievable platform I've been given to share hope with others, that grows bigger everyday," she wrote in another post.
