Popular Slideshows On CBS11TV.COM
Feb 21, 2009 6:42 pm US/Central
Man Brings Bride, Wedding To Hospitalized Father
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CBS) ―
-
-
"Be honest, be truthful, and communicate with each other," said Bob Vesperman to the newlyweds.
CBS
A gravely ill man from Osceola, Wis. and his family have a lot to be thankful for this weekend.
Bob Vesperman wasn't sure he would survive to see his son get married, but Saturday he kissed the bride and groom, CBS station WCCO-TV reports.
"Truly, this is a miracle," said Kathy Vesperman.
Bob didn't walk down the aisle, but it really didn't matter. Last fall, he had four heart surgeries and hadn't been improving.
"We were really prepared. Bob's body was just wearing out and this was going to be the end," said Kathy.
Doctors told the family it would be a good idea to move up his son Chris' wedding. It was supposed to be on Labor Day. So, with the help of the Bethesda Hospital staff, they brought the wedding to Bob in the hospital.
The chapel was decorated with red roses and family members filled the small sanctuary. With Bob and Kathy sitting up front, Chris and his bride Melissa tied the knot.
Bob feels better than he has in a long time. Not only because of this joyous day. Doctors tried one last extreme treatment. They used an ultra-filtration process to remove fluid from his body.
"He could breathe so much better and the heart was doing better," explained Kathy.
For the first time since September, Bob has been able to speak again. He had some advice for the newlyweds.
"Be honest, be truthful, and communicate with each other," he said.
He should know what it takes. He's been married to his bride for 40 years.
"For both of us I think it's an unbelievable dream come true," said Kathy.
Bob was the principal at Osceola High School for 27 years. The new treatments have enabled him to wean off of a ventilator and use oxygen through a tracheotomy, or hole in the throat.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Recent Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
