While vow renewals are lovely reaffirmations of a couple’s enduring love for one another, they don’t usually strike much of an emotional chord for anyone outside of the relationship.
But they also don’t usually occur between a couple whose relationship has been cruelly interrupted by the onset of dementia. So forgive me for tearing up a little over this one.
RELATED STORIES
According to Daily Mail , one Scottish woman has revealed that she and her husband, who suffers from dementia, have remarried after he popped the question last week, wanting to spend the rest of his life with his “new girlfriend.”
Anne Duncan, 69, has been with her husband, Bill, 71, for 18 years and married for 12 of those.
The pair met in 2001 while Bill was performing as a magician in Aberdeen, Scotland. After falling madly in love with each other, they tied the knot back in 2007 and share a daughter, Andrea, together.
Three years after they said “I do”, Anne began to notice Bill acting a little strangely and out of character.
She took him to the doctor where Bill was diagnosed with dementia, a debilitating brain disorder that changes the way a person thinks and interacts with people, and is most commonly known for its devastating effects on a person’s memory.
Following Bill’s tragic diagnosis, Anne remained by his side and became his carer as his disease gradually progressed and worsened.
Within the last year, her husband has lost some of his most precious memories and has struggled to recognize his wife or even remember that they’re married.
“For the past year or so, Bill has been unaware of our relationship, and no longer knows my name,” she wrote in a now-viral Facebook post .
Last week, the pair attended the wedding of Bill’s nephew, after which Anne was surprised to discover her husband overcome with emotion.
He started hugging and kissing her in the car, which she admitted was nice, though unexpected.
“He kept telling me he wanted me — what he meant when he finally got it out was that he wanted to marry me,” she said. “He was very sincere and kept it up until we got home.”
Anne assumed Bill would soon forget his proposal, much like other moments in his life, but for days after he continued asking when they were getting married.
Stunned, Anne decided to purchase a wedding dress, though she was certain she would have to return it to the shop unworn.
However, on their big day, Bill was still happily preparing for their impending nuptials.
In front of eight of their closest family and friends, Bill and Anne remarried for the second time.
“We were so blessed to be supported by family and close friends who love us both and do everything they can to help Bill and I enjoy our lives together,” Anne said of the “wonderful day”.
The ceremony took place in the couple’s backyard, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion.
They even purchased a wedding cake for the pair to cut into after saying “I do” again.
Anne explained that while it was technically a vow renewal, they “added some bits in for Bill so it felt like he was really getting married.”
Anne said it was a day she truly never thought she would ever experience with her husband.
“I never dreamed we would ever renew our vows, but we really did,” she said. “It was wonderful, Bill was wonderful. And what is even more amazing is that two weeks later Bill still thinks he’s just married his new girlfriend and it makes him very happy.”
She added, “Please take from this that you can never assume that just because someone has advanced dementia with all the difficulties that presents, that they can’t still surprise you in the most unlikely ways.’
“Bill has made me very happy yet again.”
h/t: Daily Mail
