Beth started crying harder.
Patrick continued.
“Your dad knew there were things he might not live long enough to do. But the one thing that kept him awake at night was the thought of you walking down the aisle without him.”
I glanced at Bryce.
Tears were running down his face.
Patrick looked directly at Beth.
“He said, ‘I can’t be the one to take her arm. But I want her to know she isn’t walking alone.'”
One of the firefighters lowered his head.
Patrick explained that Richard had served for many years before suffering a serious injury during an emergency response.
Recovery had been long and difficult.
There were months when Richard couldn’t drive, couldn’t work, and struggled to manage ordinary tasks around the house.
Those 11 men had helped him through it.
They drove him to appointments, repaired things around his home, brought meals, and encouraged him when he became discouraged.
