Gulf War Veteran Bryan Riley had dreams of doing what many fathers of daughters hope to do—walk them 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 to begin their own journey as one.
That dream was delayed by health complications for Riley, resulting in his being admitted to the hospital before his daughter’s big day.
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. He 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.
String of pearls tradition
Riley told Brown that one of his daughters 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.
His daughter made major attempts to include him in the planning stages to be certain his wishes were met. 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. He made a conference call to his family to share the news saying he was tired of fighting and ready to go home to the Lord.
“It’s okay, dad.”
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.
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.
Gulf War Veteran Bryan Riley died shortly after the wedding.
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Being a veteran I feel that story very well. I was told I had malestomic cancer in my bones after 5 years cancer free. But, I pray every day that I am kept to watch my children,grand children,and great grands grow up. I am blessed and I want you to be encouraged to know that your dad has his eyes on you. God bless. And congrats on your wedding. Sincerely Catherine young. Army strong.
Incredibly touching. Chaplains are so amazing!! Thank you Chaplain Brown for being present, responsive and respectful. As important, Thank you for honoring this loving father.
Beautiful story, brought tears to my eyes. Mr. Riley fought the good fight, what an honorable man and father. Thank you for sharing.
This is Awesome. God allows our hearts desires to come to pass as we delight in Him!!!!
Eileen Kelly
Thank you Chaplain Larry Brown for making Mr. Riley’s last and greatest wish come true! Glad his daughter and her fiancee made him happy allowing him to see them get married. Blessings to them all! Continued Rest in Paradise Mr. Riley.
Thanks for sharing that was an awesome story.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. It truly is a gift to have Heroes as a male figure in anyone’s life. May all our men share this gift with someone. IT MATTERS
True love of a father there! Thank you Mr. Riley.
That was beautiful, now he can watch over her from heavens gates.
Fathers like Mr. Riley are a blessing, Thank you to everyone who helped this family achieve Mr. Riley’s last wish and thank you to the Audie L Murphy Veterans’ Hospital for all they have done not just for Mr. Riley but for the countless other veterans served. Stories like this truly embody the mission of the Veterans Health Administration.
He is a ? for life.
Every girl wants a father like Bryan Riley. Thank God for giving Mr. Riley the strength to realize his last wish.
Great to hear that his wishes came true. Now, Rest-In-Peace, dear man of God and warrior.