Gulf War veteran Bryan Riley had dreams of doing what many fathers of daughters hope to do—walking his little girl down the aisle on their wedding day.
He imagined walking in sync, step by step to the music, and to give her away to the man of her dreams as they began their journey as one. That dream was delayed by health complications for Riley, which resulted in his being admitted to the hospital before his daughter’s big day, according to a VA release.
Riley was diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the head and neck. He began care with the palliative care team for pain management at Audie L. Murphy VA. Although in great pain, he was discharged to home hospice, a personal goal he wanted to attain by his upcoming birthday.
Chaplain Larry Brown admired Riley’s perseverance through this tough time.
“I found him to be a very humble man who loved his family, especially his twin daughters,” Brown said.
Brown especially loved Riley’s connection with his family, who were very supportive and involved every step of the way when it came to his health and comfort.
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Riley told Brown that one of his daughters, Courtney, was getting married soon and his heart’s desire was to give his daughter away. He said it would bring meaning to his life and reassurance that his legacy would endure. He had purchased both daughters a set of pearl necklaces hoping they would start a new tradition by having some of the pearls passed down by future fathers to their daughters on their wedding day.
Courtney made major attempts to include him in the planning stages to be certain his wishes were met, the release explains. But Riley’s health started to decline rapidly and his determination to make it to the wedding started to diminish. He returned to the hospital due to the cancer spreading and his pain increasing. He also required more oxygen, so he made the tough decision that he would not be able to make it to the wedding. During a conference call with his family, Riley shared the news, saying he was tired of fighting and ready to go home to the Lord.
His daughter was right by his side with her fiancée. She hugged and kissed her father letting him know, “It’s okay, dad.”
Brown was present and thought of his previous discussions with Riley about his daughter. He offered to perform a brief wedding ceremony in her father’s hospital room. She and her fiancée happily agreed.
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The rest of the family was able to watch the ceremony virtually and were overjoyed as they watched Riley give his daughter away to her husband. Riley said a prayer for Brown and thanked him for assisting him with making one of his last wishes as a father come true.
Bryan Riley died shortly after the wedding.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.