While planning her wedding, Jennifer reserved a seat for her late son, Rowley, who had died in a motorcycle accident. On her wedding day, she was shocked and angry to find someone sitting in Rowley’s seat. Her groom, John, later explained the surprising reason.
“I think we’ll leave this seat at the front for Rowley. What do you think, John?” Jennifer asked. She wanted a special place for her son, who had died at 18 but saved lives as an organ donor.
Through her grief, Jennifer met John, who supported her. Two years after Rowley’s death, she planned her wedding, leaving an empty spot for him. John suggested placing it next to her parents.
On her wedding day, Jennifer was emotional, missing Rowley. As she walked down the aisle, she noticed a young man sitting in Rowley’s seat and was upset. “Dad, who is that?” she whispered, but her father told her to focus.
After the ceremony, Jennifer confronted John. “John, do you know who was sitting on Rowley’s spot?” she asked. John revealed, “His name is Dave, and he was the recipient of Rowley’s heart. Honey, you literally had your son’s heart right on the spot you planned for him.”
Jennifer was overwhelmed. “Are you serious?” she asked. John explained that Dave and his mother were at the wedding to honor Rowley. At the reception, Dave gave Jennifer a stethoscope to listen to Rowley’s heart beating, bringing her to tears. Jennifer and Dave stayed in touch, and she found comfort knowing a part of her son lived on.