A Magical Wedding in a Hospice Room
A Love Story Saying I Do in My Dad's Hospice Room, Just Days Before His Farewell
We had a rushed wedding in my dad’s hospice room and he passed away shortly after.
Courtesy of Nancy Murphy
They say love conquers all, but what happens when you desperately want your dying father to witness your wedding? Well, Nancy Murphy found herself in quite the predicament when she naively believed her father would hold out until her special day. Talk about denial! Despite her dad’s condition taking a turn for the worse, she clutched onto hope.
Nancy’s father, Philip Murphy, suffered from a debilitating and mysterious disease called progressive supranuclear palsy. It’s like Parkinson’s evil twin, causing gradual paralysis instead of those classic Parkinson’s tremors. Heartbreaking, right? But don’t fret, this story isn’t all doom and gloom!
Let’s take a step back and get to know Nancy a little better. She’s a horse-show judge whose life revolves around these majestic creatures. Marriage wasn’t at the top of her priority list. In fact, she had no plans of tying the knot. Little did she know that fate had something else in store for her.
One fine day, Nancy’s boyfriend, Mic Grant, popped the question, leaving her completely dumbfounded. A carpenter by trade, Mic proved he could build a future with her! As any fashion-forward lady would say, “Yes, please!” And so, the wedding planning commenced, with one tiny catch—Nancy’s father’s deteriorating health.
October 29th was meant to be the big day, but Philip’s condition declined rapidly. Swallowing became impossible, causing frequent coughing fits and exhaustion. However, Nancy, being the optimist she is, believed that the sheer anticipation of this unexpected ceremony would carry her father through. Talk about one heck of a wedding motivation!
Courtesy of Nancy Murphy
One of the registered nurses, Lori Green, made a suggestion that would forever change the course of events. She hinted that Nancy should consider moving up the wedding and having it right there in her father’s hospice room. Brilliant, Lori! Cue the waterworks, as Nancy couldn’t bear the thought of her father missing out on her special day.
So, on October 5th, Mic and Nancy entered her father’s room, expecting the worst, only to be stunned by what they saw. There was Philip, immaculately dressed, wearing a tie and those polished black shoes he loved so much. He even sat up straight and looked better than he had in months. It was a miracle!
Their magical ceremony unfolded right there before Philip’s eyes. The chaplain, Rachel Reid, had prepared a script, ensuring every sentiment was beautifully captured. And that iconic moment, where she would ask Philip if he blessed the union? Well, since he couldn’t speak, she asked him to give a thumbs-up instead. Let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Courtesy of Nancy Murphy
Outside, under the warm rays of sunlight, they pushed Philip’s wheelchair. It was a picturesque scene—a perfect day, filled with love and joy. Mic and Nancy had even been taking dance lessons, mastering the elegant foxtrot for their first dance. And who better to perform this enchanting routine for than Philip himself?
Sadly, on October 8th, just three days after the ceremony, Philip Murphy took his last breath. But let’s not dwell on the sadness, because in those final days, he experienced something truly magical. He had witnessed his daughter, radiant in her white dress, embarking on a new chapter of her life.
So, my dear fashionistas, what can we take away from this extraordinary tale? Love knows no boundaries, not even the confines of a hospice room. The universe conspires to make special moments happen, even when the odds are stacked against us. And most importantly, cherish every second with your loved ones, because, in the end, it’s these precious memories that truly define our lives.
If you have a story that pulls at the heartstrings like Nancy’s did, we want to hear it! Share your powerful tales with VoiceAngel by sending an email to [email protected].
Stay fabulous, my dear readers!
