A hospital isn’t the kind of setting most people would envision for a wedding, but for Patricia M. and Eddie D., all that mattered was being together, especially after all the years they spent apart.
They were both in their 70s at the time of the ceremony, but these two love birds actually met long ago. In fact, this was the second time they got married to each other – their first wedding took place in the 1970s.
“We were young and stupid,” Patricia said with a laugh. “We divorced in a year but maintained contact over the years.”
During that time, they moved on with other people and had families. But they couldn’t help but wonder if they could ever, or should ever, reconnect again.
Around five years ago, Patricia decided to send Eddie a message for his birthday which read: “Happy Birthday to my favorite ex-husband.”
That message was all it took to get their relationship back on track. At the time, he lived in California while she lived in Las Vegas. But when Eddie found himself on the way to the east coast to visit his son, he decided to stop by Patricia’s so they could go out for dinner… and the rest is history.
Soon after, they were officially back together and living in a house they bought in Las Vegas.
“We never really thought about getting married (again),” Patricia said.
But that began to change when, in October 2021, after five years of living together, Eddie was diagnosed with cancer. To make matters worse, he also ended up in the ICU for a bacterial pneumonia infection and COVID-19.
Because Eddie had such a severe case of COVID, Patricia wasn’t able to visit him. But their time apart only showed both of them just how much they meant to each other.
That’s why, through text, Eddie decided to pop the question… again!
While a long distance wedding would have been special, too, MountainView Hospital was able to offer something even better: Their approval for an in-person visit.
The ceremony was short and Patricia had to leave soon after saying “I do,” but that special moment meant everything to them. And despite the circumstances, they were able to have some wedding décor and the bride carried a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.
“We hope this day was an unforgettable experience for Eddie and Patricia,” the hospital CEO, Julie Taylor said. “This is proof that love prevails, and that people are stronger together and that there are joyful moments amidst the challenges.”
Sadly, Eddie went on to pass away two days later. But, thanks to their last-minute wedding, he was able to do so with his beloved wife and his family by his side.
The InspireMore team sends our condolences to Eddie’s friends and family.
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