Love in the Midst of Healing
This week Army Veteran Brian Bilderback and his wife, Beth became man and wife in the Houston VA Chapel. Less than 48 hours after they tied the knot, Bilderback was in the Houston VA hospital operating room receiving a liver transplant.
Neither of these major life events were planned, but the Bilderbacks jumped at both opportunities.
“We had been planning our wedding back in our home state of Arkansas and things were right on track,” Beth said. “A few weeks ago we came to the Houston VA for some tests and things started moving really fast. They unexpectedly admitted Brian to the hospital and moved him to the top of the transplant list. While we waited to see if a liver would become available, with the help of the amazing Houston VA staff, we planned an impromptu wedding.”
Houston VA staff were thrilled to assist with planning the wedding and celebrating the big event. Flowers, signs, cake, and well-wishes filled his room on Unit 3B of the medical center.
“It was our honor to be a part of their special day,” said Syreeta Garriques, RN. “They are a very special couple and it is truly our privilege to care for him.”
According to Beth, the Bilderbacks met six years ago after he had already gotten out of the Army. During his time in the military, Brian was deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2007.
“My new husband is only 42 years old and we are planning a long happy life together,” Beth said. “We are so thankful to the VA for acting so quickly and are very grateful that a liver became available so fast. What a crazy week.”