Bride and groom marry in hospital to fulfill dying father’s wish
by MOLLY LEVINE, NBC 10 NEWS
A bride and groom got married in Fatima Hospital Monday, just one hour before the father of the bride’s last breath.
Sabrina Silveira-DaCosta told NBC 10 her father, Frank Silveira, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at least 10 years ago, but it has recently progressed.
“My dad was so young, 58,” said Sabrina.
Sabrina Silveira-DaCosta and Sam DaCosta spoke with NBC 10. (WJAR)
Her father was admitted to Fatima Hospital in North Providence last Tuesday, and his health rapidly declined. The family realized that he was not going to make it to his daughter’s wedding on September 7, so plans changed.
“Everyone was able to bring the wedding to him in the hospital and he got to walk me down the aisle,” said Sabrina.
With creativity from his ICU bed, Frank Silveira escorted his daughter Sabrina down the hospital hallway, into the hands of her fiance, Sam DaCosta.
“I was just so grateful he was there with me, we had a moment before we walked down the aisle where he told me I looked beautiful and that he’s so happy for me,” explained Sabrina.
The couple was surrounded by their loved ones, flowers, music, and cake as they tied the knot.
A bride and groom got married in Fatima hospital Monday, just one hour before the father of the bride’s last breath. (DaCosta’s)
“It’s very complex, It’s a lot of emotions,” said Sabrina.
As a healthcare worker herself, working in a cardiovascular clinic, Sabrina can appreciate the care and attention the doctors and nurses put into their family while at Fatima Hospital.
Sabrina’s siblings also work in the healthcare field.
“I think we realized what our calling was, we realized how difficult it was to be sick,” said Sabrina. “Knowing we’re helping people like our dad is so special,” she said.
The couple thanked the staff at Fatima Hospital and Continuum Care Hospice of Rhode Island for their support.
“Our community hospitals don’t get enough credit because any big hospital couldn’t have done this for us,” she said.
Sabrina Silveira-DaCosta and Sam DaCosta spoke with NBC 10. (WJAR)
Sabrina’s father passed away about an hour after he “walked her down the aisle”.
The bride and groom told NBC 10 they’re positive Frank will still be at their September 7 wedding in spirit, through the food he requested for the wedding events. Before Frank got sick, he was a respected chef in Newport.
“We’re still going to honor that, we’re still going to make all those things,” said the groom, Sam DaCosta.
“You keep saying he left [you] in good hands, but he made you who you are in a way that I don’t think you need to be in good hands,” said Sam to his wife, Sabrina. “I’m happy to help, but I just want to say he made you an amazing person,” he said to her.