Martha’s story in her words:
Right before our second date, I had found out my father was re-diagnosed with a very aggressive form of bladder cancer. Around three months into my relationship with Richard, I was told he would be going to hospice, and I decided I’d be taking the semester off and going back to Baltimore to be with family. At this point, I told Richard that I would totally understand if he wasn’t ready to be in a relationship with somebody who was not only 1200 miles away, but going through a very emotionally difficult time. I told him I wouldn’t be upset with him if it was too much and he needed to take a break.
I will always remember he looked straight in my eyes and asked “why would I do that?” From then on I always knew I could trust him to be there for me. Unfortunately, my father passed about two weeks after I went back to Baltimore. I stayed there for a few months to help my mother and siblings.
I have always felt that the universe was helping me in some way by bringing Richard into my life just when I would be losing the other most important man in my life. Though Richard was never able to meet my father, I know that they would have gotten along so well.
In memory of my dad, I’ll be walking down the aisle by myself. He is who should have been there with me, and nobody can ever take his place. Though I know it will be difficult, I also know that I am walking towards the person who has been and will be a great source of strength for me.
Photographed by Sam Hanna, Eau Claire Photographics | 2nd Photographer – Julia Pretus |Bridal prep – Hyatt French Quarter | Flowers – Carrollton Flower Market | Wedding Planner – Charlotte Weil | Hair – Stephanie Gaylord | Makeup – Bridget Theriot | Transportation – Limousine Livery | Cake -Haydel’s Bakery | Band – Royal Dukes Band | Second Line Band – Kinfolk Brass band