A Special Wedding by the Hospital Bed
With the thoughtful support of doctors, nurses, and social workers, the wedding was organized simply yet formally and ensured safety for the patient. The balloons and the word “Love” at the head of the bed created a warm backdrop for the moment when the bride, in a red ao dai, bowed to her mother. The mother, though her health was weak, still opened her eyes, smiled happily, and held her child's hand as if conveying all love and blessings.
The bride N.T.L emotionally shared: “Initially the family planned to hold the wedding at the end of the year. But as my mother’s health gradually weakened, the family proactively sought support from the hospital so that mother could witness the moment she always longed to see her daughter get married. I think if we waited longer, we would not be able to fulfill mother’s wish. This is one of the rare occasions when my mother was most alert and happy since the illness became severe. Mother opened her eyes, looked at us, smiled gently and took my hand – as if conveying all love, trust and advice to her daughter on her wedding day. Though there is no extravagant banquet table, no formal bride‑receiving ceremony, no complete ancestral rites… but for us, it was the most beautiful wedding, because in those sacred moments, mother was beside us. The photo taken that day shows mother looking at us with eyes sparkling with joy mixed with peace.The heart – is the most precious picture in my life. It is a beautiful memory that I will cherish forever like a miracle, that mother managed to see her child's happiness, even if only in the brief final moment.”
The patient's family believes that the ceremony is also a source of spiritual encouragement, adding strength for the mother to be more optimistic during treatment. Ms. N.T.L added: “I still hold the belief that mother will overcome. And if I could choose again, I would not hesitate, as long as I can still hold mother's hand, take a photo together, I would do everything for that.”
Dr. Bùi Thị Hạnh Duyên – Head of the Intensive Care Department said: “We understand that for a mother, witnessing her child get married is a sacred moment. If that moment helps the patient feel more complete, that is the most valuable thing we can preserve together with the family. Medicine is not only about drugs or techniques. Sometimes, understanding and sharing are the most powerful spiritual medicine. We are deeply moved by the love of the patient’s family. It is the love of a husband for his dying wife and the filial devotion of children towards their parents. They give us a belief in life with true love that always exists.”