Uncertainties abound in life. Sometimes a higher power has different plans, no matter how hard we try to make things right.
Becky, a woman, lost her son Tristan, who was only 19, when he broke away from this world. Her grief was deep. Although she couldn’t imagine her life without her children, her loved ones helped her come to terms with the reality and move on.
Becky was prepared to get married to the man she had always loved, Kelly, about two years after Tristan’s departure.
On their wedding day, as they were saying their vows, the couple chose to reserve an empty seat in Tristan’s honor, with a heartfelt note written on it. “Where do I stand now that I’ve arrived in heaven for your union? I will come down to your level so that I can participate with you. Even if there is only one seat available, please reserve me a place. I may not be visible to you, but I will be there.
Throughout the ceremony, Kelly told Becky that someone wanted to talk to her. Tristan’s seat was taken by a youthful man. When she saw him, Becky was not upset. In fact, she was overcome with emotion as she watched the young man, and tears filled her eyes nonstop.
Tristan’s heart had been given to this man, Jacob. Tristan had been a donor, and the life he gave to Jacob was not the only one.
When he heard that Becky and Kelly were taking vows to get married and that he was invited, Jacob excitedly traveled from San Diego to be there. Becky was pleasantly surprised, and it brightened her day and warmed her spirit. Her wedding day felt as though her son’s ghost was present.
Becky was then given a stethoscope so she could hear her dead son’s heartbeat. It was an emotional event that will stay with me forever.
They took pictures of this touching surprise and shared them on Facebook. It quickly became well-known, and many praised Kelly for his intense love for Becky.
A variety of people took the time to comment, with one person writing: “Why can’t we commit one journalistic channel to spreading inspiring and stimulating stories like this one? It might spark more acts of compassion if only the world’s kindness and care could be spread more widely.
