Weddings should be filled with love and joy. But Becky Turner’s big day was also marked by the recent passing of her son.
Still, Becky did her best to make her wedding with the man of her dreams go as well as possible.
Then, a stranger showed up and Becky burst into tears.
In October 2015, Becky Turner’s life was turned upside down.
Her 19-year-old son Triston died of an accidental gunshot wound. The teen was an organ donor and his organs were used so that others could live.
After a period of intense grieving, Becky and her husband-to-be, Kelly, were set to get married in Alaska.
During the ceremony – just before Becky and Kelly were about to become husband and wife – the wedding came to a stop.
For several months, Kelly had been hiding a huge surprise from his bride-to-be – a surprise that would leave her and everyone else at the wedding in tears.
Kelly had tracked down 21-year-old Jacob Kilby, whom Becky had never met – but had a connection to.
After Triston’s death, Jacob received his heart, and thanks to that, he is alive. Now, he stood face to face with Triston’s mother, who could barely believe it was true.
Jacob, who had traveled more than 480 miles to be at the wedding, handed Becky a stethoscope. And by putting it against Jacob’s chest, Becky could, for the first time since the tragic accident, hear the beating of her beloved son’s heart.
On her Facebook page, Becky called it “hands down the best gift … most amazing surprise ever!! Thank you for caring for Triston’s heart. Thank you for being here! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Becky’s post has been liked by about 110,000 people on Facebook, and many people have sent the new bride greetings.
“Thank you for giving life to other families. I’m a mom of a little boy who received a heart transplant. I’m so very sorry that you lost your precious son. Truly, I cannot say in words what it means that you chose to give life and hope to others when your world was crashing down. From one mom to another, thank you,” one person wrote on Becky’s Facebook page.
At the wedding, all of the seats were filled with the couple’s loved ones, including one chair that was reserved for Triston. On it was written a special message that no one at the wedding will ever forget.
“I’m in heaven for your wedding so what shall I do? I’ll come down to earth to spend it with you. So save me a seat, just one empty chair. You may not see me but I will be there.”
What a wonderful, beautiful gift that Becky received! I’m sure Triston was sitting next to them and smiling from the next world.
Watch this video to see more pictures from the wedding – and to see Kelly’s wonderful gift to his wife.
This is the most beautiful story I’ve read for a long time. Please share it if you were also moved by Jacob’s beautiful gift to Becky.
Published by Newsner, please like
