Jade Tabrar, 37, and her partner of 19 years, Adam Kemp, 42, had always dreamed of getting married. But after doctors told Jade her cancer was getting worse, the pair knew they couldn’t wait any longer.
On November 3, in their own home, surrounded by close friends and family, they finally had the wedding they’d always hoped for. At 2 p.m., they said “I do.” Jade gently wiped Adam’s tears and whispered, “Don’t cry, I love you.” Everyone in the room said they had never felt so much love.
Adam never left her side, so he got down on his knees to be closer to her eye level. He felt this was the perfect moment-a thing he had wished for throughout their entire life together.
Jade first started feeling unwell during her last pregnancy. Doctors thought the pain and weight loss were pregnancy-related, but when Jade remained symptomatic after giving birth, tests showed stomach cancer that had spread quickly. Jade bravely faced every treatment, still doing everything she could to be a loving mum and partner.
Earlier this year, they were told she was stable, giving them a small spark of hope. But
her health soon declined again, and more scans showed the cancer had reached her womb and ovaries. Doctors told her she didn’t have long.
Even then, Jade’s biggest wish was to give her children the best Christmas. She had even started a small bucket list. But deep down, she knew she might not make it.
The couple had always planned to marry on their 20th anniversary, but after the devastating news, friends and hospice workers stepped in to make their wedding happen right away. They arranged everything: the registrar, the dress, the food, and all the special touches.
Jade, having been adopted and with no biological family around her, had one special wish: she wanted Adam’s father to walk her in, and she wanted to wear a dress she had once worn at his wedding. Friends lovingly altered it to fit her fragile frame.
The rest of the afternoon, after the ceremony, was filled with guests sharing food and stories as Adam helped Jade onto the sofa. Later that evening, when the house grew quiet, he changed her into her pyjamas and held her close. They lay together, forehead to forehead, talking about their life, their memories, and their love.
Before long, Jade’s breathing changed. Care workers softly told Adam the end was near. He held her in his arms as she looked at him and said she was happy to finally be Mrs. Kemp. A short time later, she slipped away peacefully, surrounded by love. Adam says that his heart is shattered, but will always treasure their wedding-a perfect moment in the most heartbreaking time of their lives.
