When it was time for 30-year-old Julia Napolitano of Wisconsin to get married to the love of her life, she couldn’t imagine her mother not being a part of her special day.
Julia’s mother, 66-year-old Linda Napolitano, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago, and she is now in the late stages of the heartbreaking, progressive brain disorder.
Julia has been by her mother’s side since the diagnosis, and says, “I’m an only child, so taking care of my mom has always been in the back of my mind.” Although Linda is still mobile, she no longer recognizes her husband or daughter, and she’s sadly lost the ability to speak.
“My mom does not recognize me. She doesn’t communicate verbally anymore and hasn’t known my name or who I am,” Julia said. “It’s been that way for nearly two years.”
Nonetheless, Julia wanted her mother to see her in her wedding dress and celebrate her marriage in a place she felt comfortable. That’s when Julia decided to bring the wedding to her mother’s Alzheimer’s community home called Silverado Care.
At the ceremony, which was held at a local church, guests were handed programs that explained the state that Linda was in and included an invitation for anyone who was interested in joining the bridal party at Silverado, which would be held before the official reception. Julia didn’t have any expectations, but she was shocked by the incredible turnout! “Almost everyone decided to join us,” said Napolitano.
“They opened the doors, and our wedding guests swarmed in first,” she told TODAY.com. “I was the last person inside.”
The staff at Silverado even decorated the center’s main room, and provided live music as well as a cake and juice. Linda’s fellow Alzheimer’s patients were also invited to join the festivities.
Both of Julia’s parents even got to enjoy a special dance.
Although Linda couldn’t communicate with her family to let them know if she understood what was going on, “there were signs,” says Napolitano.
And the moment her mother got to see Julia in her dress, she says, “I can’t describe the feeling.”
Julia is forever grateful that her mother was a part of her special day.
Since their wedding in November, Linda has remained relatively stable, but Linda says her mom is actually in great spirits!
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[Featured Image Credit: Gravidee Designs]