Ambulance Wish Singapore shared a bittersweet post about the wedding of a woman in Singapore, who got married at a hospice to fulfil her dying father’s last wish, before the latter passed away later that night.
Here is what they said
30 Oct 2022 was a significant day for Henry and his family. It was the day Henry had been longing for – to attend the wedding tea ceremony of his beloved daughter.
We first met Henry’s daughter via a video call three days before the tea ceremony. She shared about how Henry was a loving father, always bringing the family out for nice food and buying stuff for the children. Before he was ill, he enjoyed gardening, rearing fishes and was a foodie too. Henry became bed bound after he was diagnosed with cancer and his wish was to attend his daughter’s wedding tea ceremony. Knowing this, the team of volunteers quickly jumped into action to secure a place at the hospice for the tea ceremony, arrange for a make up artist and prep what was needed for the tea ceremony.
The atmosphere was joyous on wish day. Close family members came together to witness this milestone. With the bride dolled up and room set up, the family gathered together and waited for Henry to be transferred into the room. It was a touching moment. The couple presented tea first to the groom’s parents and then the bride’s parents. When the groom said to Henry “Papa, 喝茶 (tea for you)” we knew, though Henry was looking tired, his heart must be beaming with joy as he sipped down the tea. It was a moving sight to behold. Henry, with the help of his wife, then presented a pair of beautiful pens to the couple, a gift to symbolize the couple writing their new life chapter together, how apt! The family had a photo taking session to capture these beautiful moments. The volunteers also prepared Thank you cards and popcorns as wedding favours for the family hoping that they will continue to savour these moments as they make their way home.
We count it a blessing to serve the community, to have them open up to us about their wish, desires or longings during their weakest moments. It was indeed a privilege to witness Henry’s deepest desire being fulfilled. This was marked by the smiles, laughters and tears of joy that evening.
Henry passed away peacefully on the night of wish day. We know he is in a better place now. Rest In Peace, Henry.
We would like to thank Assisi Hospice for the close partnership in making Henry’s wish possible. Big thanks also to Give Fun for the lovely wedding themed balloons,
Lisabelle Ho for dolling up the beautiful bride, and The Plattering Co for the venue set up and wedding favours. Last but not least, it is my pleasure working with follow volunteers Yasmin and Vivian who spared no efforts to ensure it was a meaningful and memorable wish experience for Henry and his loved ones.
Learn more about how to volunteer at Ambulance Wish Singapore – https://ambulancewishsingapore.com/support-us/
Support our work to fulfil these last wishes with your kind donation at – https://www.giving.sg/ambula…/every_wish_celebrates_a_life