A 75-year-old man with cancer marries longtime sweetheart in ICU just moments before his death

Eddie D. and Patricia M., from Las Vegas, first got married in the 1970s. They were only married a year before going their separate ways, but they never lost touch.

“We were young and stupid,” Patricia told the hospital with a laugh, as per FOX5. “We divorced in a year but maintained contact over the years." While they went on to live their lives and have families of their own, they found their way to each other yet again. Five years ago, Patty decided to send him a message out of the blue on his birthday which read – “Happy Birthday to my favorite ex-husband.” Eddie, who lived in California at the time, stopped in Las Vegas after visiting his son on the East Coast and took Patty on a date after which a romantic spark was lit between the two. They even moved in together in 2017 after buying a house together in Las Vegas.

Sadly, in October 2021, Eddie, who previously spent 33 years in the military, was diagnosed with cancer. Later, he developed bacterial pneumonia and became infected with COVID-19. “We never really thought about getting married (again),” Patricia, a retired nurse, said. But after Eddie's diagnosis, the pair decided to honor their love. At 74 and 75 years old, they questioned, if not now, when? On January 24, Eddie asked Patty to marry him via text message and they tied the knot in his hospital room with an officiant reading them their vows from behind a glass door. "Despite his aliments and being on BiPAP, Eddie is alert, of sound mind and aware of what is going on," the hospital said.

The room was decorated with artificial flowers and 'Just Married' was written on the wall. Someone's phone played wedding music in the background while the hospital's Chief of Medicine, Dr. Jacqueline King, acted as the couple's witness. The ceremony was brief and Patricia had to leave the room after the couple said their "I Dos." But it was a special moment not just for the couple but for everyone else in the room. "We hope this day was an unforgettable experience for Eddie and Patricia," MountainView CEO Julie Taylor said in a statement, as per The Daily Mail. "This is proof that love prevails, and that people are stronger together and that there are joyful moments amidst the challenges. It was our pleasure to celebrate with them and share in their joy." Sadly, Eddie passed away just two days after the ceremony, on January 28, with his family by his side. However, the ceremony was a beautiful reminder telling us that every moment of joy and love should be cherished and celebrated, even in dark times.