Only a handful of people experience love at first sight, and one couple from Martinsville, Virginia, was lucky enough to have it. Amid tragic and challenging circumstances, the duo made a brave and inspiring decision.
Sarah Myler and Jeffrey Benesch had mutual friends on Facebook, and the connection led to a life-changing coffee date in 2012. Sparks flew, and they knew they would be together from the beginning.
The couple could never have imagined the journey life would take them on. They faced their fair share of ups and downs until one of them passed away—but not before they got the perfect ending to their once-in-a-lifetime love story.
Their Love Grew Stronger
Sarah adored Jeffrey, a volunteer firefighter and a kindhearted soul. He moved in with Sarah and her sister and niece. The four of them got along well, and in 2015 Jeffrey popped the question with his grandmother’s ring.
However, life got ahead of them, and the duo did not rush to say “I Do.” Little did they know their wedding would happen in the most unlikely place.
It was not the ideal situation, but the couple was tying the knot for the sake of love. They couldn’t arrange a marriage license in such a short time, so their vows wouldn’t be legally binding, but that didn’t matter to them.
The Devastating News
Jeffrey had a heart disease that resulted in lots of time in the hospital. Doctors revealed shocking news to the couple in 2020—Jeffrey’s heart was too weak for a transplant, and he had limited time with his loved ones.
Sarah was devastated and knew there was something she still wanted to do. She wanted to marry her best friend and the love of her life, and he wanted the same thing. With the help of her family and hospital staff, Sarah arranged a wedding instantly. She shared:
“One of Jeff’s favorite nurses helped us find a place to be married outside, and someone else arranged for a classical guitarist from the amazing art program they have at Duke to play for us.”
Their Intimate Ceremony
It was not the ideal situation, but the couple was tying the knot for the sake of love. They couldn’t arrange a marriage license in such a short time, so their vows wouldn’t be legally binding, but that didn’t matter to them.
The love birds only cared about making the commitment they wished they had followed through on many years before. Thanks to a colleague, Sarah managed to get a wedding dress for the intimate ceremony.
She recalled her colleague mentioning that she had a wedding gown she planned to get rid of earlier in the year. Thankfully, she still had it, and Sarah explained: “I called her and said, ‘Can I borrow it?’”
Their Final Moments Together
It was a beautiful sunshine day in the gardens of Duke Medicine Pavilion, and the love between Sarah and Jeffrey was undeniable. They said their vows and enjoyed the precious moment that would last forever.
Jeffrey passed away on April 2, 2020, just a few days after the ceremony. His new wife was by his side and held his hand during the final moments.
In one final display of Jeffrey’s selflessness and generosity, Sarah revealed that he was an organ donor. His passing was not in vain, and he would save countless lives.
The Online Response
Netizens were stunned by the couple’s unique experience. Their modern-day love story was inspiring, albeit heartbreaking. Many users offered condolences, and others admitted they were emotional after reading about Sarah and Jeffrey:
SOURCE : AMOMAMA
