07/01/2026
It’s taken me a couple of days to figure out what to write for this post and I’ve decided to say it how it is.
I was contacted late last week to see if I would be available to perform a marriage ceremony at Westmead hospital for a couple who were supposed to be married on Monday in the city. They were all booked in, papers completed and had been planning the occasion for some time. Then a few weeks ago the grooms health deteriorated rapidly with him being admitted to hospital where his life expectancy is now limited.
Of course I had to help and felt that I could deliver something intimate and special. Over phone calls and emails with the registry and family we were all set for Monday afternoon to have Gerard & Victoria married.
Writing the ceremony was more difficult than I had expected as most ceremonies talk about the future and all the memories the couples will make together. I didn’t want to focus on the fact that their time left will be short.
Eventually I was happy with what I wrote.
On Monday I met the couple and their beautiful family. Surrounded by love and family, The youngest of 5 siblings, Gerard married his lovely bride in the Chapel of Westmead.
Whilst your time together as husband and wife will be short, you made it and had such a happy day. I send you both congratulations.
I was very honoured to be asked to perform the ceremony for this lovely couple.