Whenever the plots of ancient tragedies seem too far fetched, life can swiftly remind us how much more poignant real situations can be. This is the story of 31 year old Heather Mosher, claimed by cancer a mere 18 hours after speaking her wedding vows.
Those vows would prove to be her last words, after a grueling battle with triple-negative breast cancer. Her diagnosis came only three days after becoming engaged to David Mosher, the man who became her husband less than a year later, only to watch her perish.
The ceremony took place at the hospital chapel on the 22nd of December 2016. The couple had to rush their plans by a few days, as Heather’s condition was already critical. Their friends and family attended the touching, tragic moment, in an ultimate gathering of joy and sorrow.
Heather’s best friend and bridesmaid, Christina Karas, took heartbreaking photos of the event. She recounts her amazement at Heather’s enthusiasm during the ceremony, even though her friend was “on death’s door.” She also remembers how heartrending it was to plan the wedding, as Heather’s condition even made it difficult to wear the wedding dress itself.
Stories like these, much like classical tragedies, remind us that love can stand defiant even in the face of our inescapable human frailty. While Heather and David’s physical separation because of terrible illness is tragic, their symbol of indomitable love can be an inspiration. Life is to be enjoyed, relentlessly, especially in the face of overwhelming adversity. If only more of us could have the strength to do so.
