05/25/2024
Jennifer Tufts and Jessica Walling wanted to do something special for their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary in May 2024. But when their father, Dale Tufts, needed to go on hospice care in late October 2023 because of his lung cancer, the sisters quickly changed their plans.
They asked two nurses at Kettering Health Main Campus, Michaela Yinger and Silvia Hernandez, to help them plan a vow renewal ceremony for Dale and their mother, Frances Tufts.
“We just looked at each other and (decided) we have to do whatever we have to do to make this happen for them,” Michaela said.
Three hours later, Dale and Frances renewed their vows with a ceremony officiated by Chaplain Kevin Gill Walter in the hospital’s chapel.
Before the ceremony, Michaela and Silvia found a nice shirt for Dale, and Jennifer and Jessica surprised Frances with a new wedding band because she didn’t have one.
“Before we could even start, she just lost it,” Jennifer said, remembering her mother’s reaction to the gift.
Sadly, Frances passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in November 2023, and Dale passed away shortly after in December 2023.
Nothing can fill their parents' place in their hearts, but the sisters are grateful to Michaela, Silvia, and Kevin for creating a special moment for the family before they passed.
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