Copyright 2007 Steve Jurvetson, Flickr, CC-BY, via Wylio

I was recently back on the cancer care ward for three weeks (home again now, thankfully).  One day there was increased activity in the morning and it turned out a wedding was to take place for a patient.  My first thoughts, how lovely that this was happening, followed by the sad realisation of why.  So it was with mixed emotions that I witnessed the preparations, and the guests and bridesmaids going to and fro throughout the day.  I caught a glimpse of the young bride in a wheelchair on her way to the ceremony that was taking place in the day room, where guests could spill out into the private enclosed garden.

The happy atmosphere filtered through the ward until the evening, yet it remained a private affair.  It must have been such an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved.  I thought how wonderful it was that the wedding had been possible, providing lasting happy memories particularly for her young family.  I thought of the young woman being able to experience such a special occasion with her family and friends, knowing that she had little time left.

There is no doubt that my emotions were heightened on that day and It has stayed with me.  It has since caused me to reflect on how people spend months and often tens of thousands of pounds planning a wedding, yet the most important and special part of a wedding are the people brought together for the occasion.  A wedding is an occasion to be celebrated and enjoyed in the moment, with memories to last a lifetime for everyone involved.