Rachel Pitman, who married her partner in July 2023, wanted one thing above all: to have her 95-year-old grandfather as her flower boy.
You’ve probably heard of flower girls – tasked with following the last bridesmaid or maid of honor down the aisle, scattering petals, herbs, or confetti – but have you ever heard of a ‘flower grandad’?
Probably not. I admit I never gave the idea much thought until I stumbled upon Rachel Pitman’s Instagram video from her wedding day.
The clip in question has gone viral for all the right reasons, and the apparent story behind it is truly heartwarming.
In the video, Rachel’s grandpa, Bert Edlin, led the wedding procession with a basket full of petals, throwing them out as he beamed with pride.
In another Instagram post, Rachel revealed why Bert’s presence meant so much to her, explaining that the 95-year-old had undergone difficult surgery the year before her wedding. The chances of him recovering from the surgery were slim, according to Rachel.
“Doctors told us the recovery was slim and even if he did recover, he wouldn’t be able to walk, talk or eat,” Rachel’s message read.
“In the period where he couldn’t talk, he handed me a piece of paper with a note that said ‘I will make it to your wedding.’”
Determined to overcome the odds, Bert underwent months of physical therapy after his surgery to give himself the best possible chance of being there for his granddaughter’s special day.
“… and that he did,” Pitman continued. “In the most special way, WALKING down the aisle as my flower grandad 🌺👴🏻🌸,” Pitman wrote. “The most determined person I know and I feel so lucky to call you my Grandad 💗.”
Watch Rachel’s adorable wedding video below.
I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say this story is enough to bring a tear to the eye. If you thought that was heartwarming, check out the 63-year-old who’s aging backward. “People think I’m still in my 20s”…
