By Shazwanee / Good Times
Becky Green’s late son was not physically there at her wedding ceremony, but he was actually close to her – in the most unique way.
Losing a child is one of the most painful experiences one has to face. Children are not supposed to die before a parent but God’s plans are greater than ours.
Becky Green from Wasilla, Alaska lost her son, Triston in 2015 when he was 19 years old. During her wedding ceremony, her now-husband, Kelly Turney, wanted her late son to be a part of their wedding.
The photographer, Amber from Love Adventured captured the beautiful moment and uploaded it on her Facebook. She said, “I knew about this surprise but nothing prepares you for the beauty of this moment. I met a man named Jacob Kilby yesterday who is alive because of a heart transplant received from this brides son, Triston.” Because Triston could not be there to witness her mother’s wedding, her family made sure that his heart was with them.
Amber also wrote, “Becky’s groom Kelly Turney, surprised her by flying Jacob up to Alaska to stand in as a groomsmen, carrying Triston’s heart. Kelly stopped the ceremony to introduce Jacob to Becky for the first time.”
According to The Surf Channel, Jacob was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a heart defect which the left side of the heart does not fully develop for blood flow through the heart. He has had four failed heart surgeries by the age of two. Fortunately, he managed to undergo through a heart transplant however the heart started to weaken.
In 2014, he was listed once again on the organ donation list for him to receive a new heart. He now has Triston’s heart.
According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, about 20 people died every day waiting for their turns to receive an organ donation.
There are approximately 119,000 people who are currently waiting for a new organ in every part of the world. One donor has a potential to save up to eight lives.
Amber also wrote, “I had the pleasure of hearing Jacob share his gratitude and plans for a heart healthy life to Triston’s sister before the ceremony. You couldn’t ask for a better recipient to receive such a gift.”
According to Triston’s obituary, he has donated the gift of life to five strangers through organ donation. No wonder everyone who knew him said that he was their best friend. On that morning, five people gained a new best friend.
Rose Beebe, Becky’s aunt, wrote to Amber upon looking at her pictures, “I think what you did in capturing such a special moment in her and Jacob’s and Becky’s lives is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t make it to the wedding but I am seeing it through your lens and I feel like I was there. Thank you so much for the contribution to the fabric of our family that has left us all weeping tears of joy.”
Feeling thankful, Becky also wrote her words of gratitude on her Facebook to everyone who has made her day and it will never be forgotten. She thanked Jacob and said, “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!”
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Photo credit: Love Adventured
