Some love stories stay with us, especially the ones that last a lifetime. Jan Faber and Els van Leeningen shared one of those rare bonds, beginning as children in kindergarten and growing into nearly fifty years of marriage. Their final chapter, however, was as heartbreaking as it was devoted.

In early June, the couple chose to end their lives together through a legal double euthanasia procedure in the Netherlands. Jan had lived with severe back pain for more than twenty years. Els, once a bright and gentle primary school teacher, was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and soon struggled to form simple sentences.

Their son found their decision incredibly hard to accept, and his reaction became the turning point of this deeply emotional story. Still, Jan and Els believed they had reached the limits of their suffering. They spent their last days surrounded by family, sharing memories, playing games, and enjoying one final dinner together.

On their last morning, they listened to their favorite songs and held hands as two doctors prepared the injections. The process was quiet and peaceful, just as they wished. They passed within minutes, side by side, exactly as they had lived for decades.

Their story has drawn attention to the rare but growing number of couples choosing joint euthanasia in the Netherlands. For many, it raises difficult questions about love, dignity, and the right to decide one’s final moments.

In the end, their journey reminds us how powerful a lifetime of shared love can be, even at its final goodbye.