Wanting to to fulfil her terminally ill father’s wish, a 29-year-old Singaporean woman held her wedding tea ceremony at the Assisi Hospice, where her father was being cared for.
The tea ceremony was organised with the help of Ambulance Wish Singapore, a non-profit that aims to “create positive end-of-life experience for the terminally ill”.
Held tea ceremony at hospice
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the woman named Phoebe said her father was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago.
She added that she and her partner Marcus wanted to tie the knot on 11.11 (Nov 11) but pushed it forward after she saw her father, Henry taking a turn for the worse.
His condition deteriorated a month ago and we were told that he only had three months to live.
“We then transferred him from the National University Hospital to Assisi Hospice,” she said.
Knowing that her father’s greatest wish was to see her get married, Phoebe got to know of Ambulance Wish Singapore after it was introduced to her by a hospice staff.
After getting the blessing from Marcus’ family, she then contacted the non-profit organisation in carrying out the tea ceremony.
In a Facebook post by Ambulance Wish Singapore, the team held a video call with Phoebe three days before the event before getting into the event details.
In fact, the non-profit went up and beyond in preparing for the ceremony so much so that Phoebe and her family were touched by their willingness to help, reported Shin Min.
Touching scene
The tea ceremony was held on Oct 30, where Henry was transferred to a room where Phoebe and Marcus presented the tea.
It was first given to Marcus’ parents before Phoebe’s parents.
Ambulance Wish Singapore wrote in the post that although Henry looked fatigued, he was nevertheless very happy to witness the joyous occasion.
He also gave the couple a pair of pens to represent them writing a new chapter of their lives.
It was a moving sight to behold,” it wrote.
Aside from that, the room was adorned with Thank you cards and popcorn was even prepared.
Assisi Hospice also allowed seven close relatives to attend and observe the tea ceremony.
Passed away that night
Towards the end of the post, Ambulance Wish Singapore said that Henry breathed his last that same night after the tea ceremony.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the non-profit called it “a blessing” in helping to fulfil Henry’s final wish.
“We count it a blessing to serve the community, to have them open up to us about their wish, desires or longings during their weakest moments.
“It was indeed a privilege to witness Henry’s deepest desire being fulfilled. This was marked by the smiles, laughter and tears of joy that evening.”
Read the post here:
Our condolences to Phoebe and her family.
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