Mum has weeks left, I get married in 3

Hello,

I am in a predicament and really need some outside perspective. I am due to get married at the end of this month, everything is in place and paid for, the dress is altered and we're all set. On the weekend I found out my mum has weeks to live and may not make it for the wedding, but obviously no one can tell us anything for certain.

After lots of tears and lengthy chats with my fiancé we decided cancelling was not an option and we want to stick with the date we set over a year ago to give mum something to fight for and work towards as we understand this may be the last thing she does. We have agreed that if she worsens as time goes on that we will have a mock ceremony for her in her home so she can see us in all our finery, but we still really want to get married at the location and in the way that we have been planning for over a year and a half. Although she's nearing the end of her life I still don't know if she passed before our official wedding if I would be really into the day, but we all agreed to keep the date and see how she gets on. 

She is hoping to be able to attend the ceremony in 3 weeks and I just hope she will be, does anyone have any advice please? 

  •  Hello Lian92

     What a horrible situation to be in. I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. 

     Giving advice in this situation is really difficult because, as you point out, nobody knows what will happen but for me, I think you should go for it my dear.  It is something positive to focus on something lovely to look forward to and it will take your mind off  your mum and her cancer. Plus, to cancel would break your mums heart and may have a very detrimental effect on her mental well-being. 

     I guess the only great big fat question mark over it is if the worst happens nearer the time will you want to go ahead?  A daft question but do you have any insurance? Could you perhaps talk to the venues and find out  where you stand with last minute postponement?  Given the circumstances I’m sure they will be as flexible as they can be. 

     Anyway, whatever you decide, take care of yourself and good luck to you all 

    Ruth x

  • Hi Susanruth

    Thank you so much for your post and taking the time to reply .

    Thankfully our venue has said we can postpone if needs be and they have been amazing in accommodating us throughout this period. We've decided to push ahead and hope for the best. 

    I'm willing her on every day and she just wants that glimpse of me in my dress, I just want it to be in 25 days time rather than before. Of course my concern is if she passes before, but I have a hugely supportive family and the world's greatest fiancé, and soon to be in-laws too, who I know would help me through the day should she not be there. I know deep down she would want it all to go ahead, and although it would change the tone of my wedding, there's also the blessing that she's no longer suffering, so a celebration of her life would be the best way to honour that by starting a new journey in my own life.

    Thanks again for your words, it's surprising how much comfort they can bring at a time like this.

    Xx

  •  Hello again, what a lovely way to look at it.  Celebrate – a wedding is definitely something to celebrate and so is a life well lived.  There will be plenty of time for grief and sadness but don’t let anybody rain on your parade. I’m sure the thought of seeing you in all your Bridal Glory will be the incentive for her to keep going. 

     Wishing you the best of everything and if you and your future husband are half as happy as my husband has made me you have a glorious future in front of you. 

     Take care and keep in touch.  Xx