Awesome - Bride-To-Be Makes A Bold Move After Learning About Her Father's Fatal Diagnosis
When Shelby Schweikhart-Conville got engaged, she was over the moon. She couldn’t wait to get cracking on planning her dream wedding, surrounded by family and friends, with her father there to walk her down the aisle. Though her plans changed drastically when her father’s health declined, so within only 30 minutes, she planned a wedding that no one would ever forget.
Difficult Diagnosis
This wasn’t the first time Shelby’s family was dealt a scary diagnosis. Steven, her father, was a cancer survivor, but was in remission. While initially, Steven’s sickness was a shocking blow, it made them resilient. Still, hearing those familiar words from the doctor once again, was devastating.
Hoping For The Best
Steven's testicular cancer had returned. It was a tough time for the family, as they hoped for the best, but feared for the worst. Thankfully, Shelby had more than just her family for a shoulder to cry on.
Emotional Support
Aside from her friends, Shelby had Jared, the love of her life who was soon to be her husband. Shelby was grateful for all the love she was surrounded with, and that Jared was welcomed with open arms.
Father Son Bonding
Steven, in particular, loved his future son in law! It helped that he and Jared were both die hard fans of the Indiana Colts. Though behind their smiles and plans for the future, everyone was worried about Steven’s prognosis.
Hope For The Future
Shelby and Jared set a date in October 2020. Steven started chemotherapy though at that point his cancer had metastasized in his lungs. The possibility that he would make a full recovery was looking less likely.
Counting The Moments
That’s when the doctors gave the toughest call of all. Steven’s cancer was no longer responding to chemotherapy. There was no clear telling of when, but they predicted he didn’t have much time left.
Change In Plans
Not knowing when Shelby's father would pass on, a good friend of hers suggested that they having the wedding in the ICU room where Shelby's father laid under life support. Shelby and Jared took no time making their decision.
No Time To Waste
They were getting married. Since Shelby's dress wouldn’t arrive until a month later, they had to scramble for a gown. Family and friends leaped into action, running to a nearby bridal store to track down another. Then, there was Jared's attire.
Changing The Theme
While it was still meant to be a suit and tie occasion, even in a hospital, Jared decided to go a different route. He'd always joked with his soon-to-be father-in-law about the wedding having a Colts themed, so Jared decided to make it so.
Dress To Impress
As friends and family rushed to dress up Shelby to wedding perfection, hair, make-up, and all, Jared threw on his Indianapolis Colts jersey, in honor of the bond he shared with Steven. All they needed was an officiant.
Falling Into Place
Despite the last-minute plan, their Church's pastor came through to officiate the bedside wedding ceremony. The way everything came together was a miracle in itself, as a team they planned the wedding in a mere 30 minutes.
Moving Surprise
It didn’t look the way they'd imagined, but it was worth it to see the surprise in Steven’s eyes when Shelby walked into the room in her wedding dress. He wasn’t able to speak, but they figured out another special way to include him in the ceremony.
Wonderful Surprise
The small ICU room was packed with the bride and groom's closest family members and friends. Steven was delighted to see his baby girl all dressed up beautifully, ready to marry a man he truly approved. Then, he was given his task.
Memorable Honor
Instead of escorting her down the aisle, Steven held the rings. When it was time, Jared walked over to the father of the bride and ceremoniously took the rings that would finally bond them as husband and wife.
Saying I Do
Although he couldn't talk, Steven was overjoyed. He wrote on a sharpie how happy he was to witness the happy couple share their vows and swap rings. All the emotion of the moment brought the proud dad some clarity.
Time To Let Go
Seeing Shelby marry Jared, knowing his family was starting a new beautiful chapter, was all Steven needed to feel okay making his decision. Knowing the right time had come, he asked to be taken off life support.
Saying Goodbye
It was a bittersweet moment for everyone in the room. Just because they were prepared to say goodbyes didn’t make it any easier. The critical care staff abided by Steven's wishes and removed him from life support, and he waited to pass peacefully.
Hope Rises Again
Everyone braced for what was bound to come next, except, life threw another curveball. Steven held on. Within days he was released from the hospital and able to return home for some more time with his family.
Prayers Answered
Shelby spent a few more precious months with her father, however, he did pass away in April of 2020. It made her last-minute decision for a hospital room wedding one of the most important she's ever made.
A Bright Future Ahead
"My dad got to see his baby girl get married, and it meant the world to me that he was able to see it," Shelby wrote on Facebook. It taught her to roll with the punches.
Shelby and Jared didn't see their decision as a selfless, that's just what you do when a family member needs you.
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