Paul Wheatley was with his fiancé, Donna, for 12 years and they had been engaged for 9 when they found out the devastating news that she had only weeks to live.
The two wanted to get married overseas, but were so busy with their life and child, that they never quite got around to planning their big day. After receiving the shocking diagnosis, Wheatley knew they couldn't wait any longer.
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Donna's health first started to deteriorate three years ago due to a continuing struggle with diabetes, but after several operations on her eyes, she thought she had turned a corner. Then last Christmas, she got sick again from heart and kidney problems and had to be rushed to the hospital. A few months later, doctors confirmed her illnesses were terminal. That's when Wheatley sprang into action.
With help from friends, family, and the hospital staff, the dad was able to organize their entire wedding, from the rings to the flowers, in just 24 hours. He and Donna tied the knot in the hospital and even took a few photos with their son in a rose garden on the roof. And it was just in time—Donna died only six days later of kidney and heart failure.
I couldn't help but tear up hearing of this story. Losing a spouse and mother is absolutely heartbreaking and I can't imagine what it must have been like for this family to receive this horrible news. Still, it's amazing that Wheatley was able to plan this surprise for her after so many years of putting it off and that the two were able to celebrate this beautiful occasion together. That's definitely a memory that he and his son will cherish for the rest of their lives!
Image via Thinkstock
