We had a patient, John, who wanted the Catholic church to bless his marriage with his wife Marge before he died. A tentative plan had been set for a ceremony in a few weeks, but sensing that the end of John’s life was nearing, Chaplain Marjorie Heidkamp arranged for the rite to take place the very next day.

Although that morning was rainy and cold, we had hoped and planned for a joyous day. But when we arrived at the house it was clear that John was dying. Still, we pressed on. Despite his struggle to breathe, John smiled and winked at me, whispering, “You’re terrific.” Marjorie arrived with a vase of red roses as CHHA Linda Rush straightened the living room in preparation for the ceremony. We couldn’t help glancing nervously at our watches. John’s condition was continuing to deteriorate.

We let out a collective sigh of relief as the priest arrived. Barely conscious and fighting for every breath, John took Marge’s hand as she - in a white blouse reminiscent of the bridal gown she’d worn 14 years before - sat by his side. Unable to speak, John consented to the matrimonial vows of the Catholic church by gently squeezing the priest’s fingers. Both family and VITAS friends remained gathered around John and Marge as the priest began the rite of Anointing the Sick.

Afterward, our vigil continuing, we attempted to find the appetite to share the enormous wedding cake which Marge’s co-workers had contributed in celebration of the day. Then, as John’s death grew closer, we gathered around John once again and joined our hands and voices in a prayer led by Marjorie. Marge held John in her arms as he drew his last breath - just two hours after reciting his wedding vows.