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Bride missing late dad on her wedding day feels his heartbeat for the first time in 10 years

The woman missed out on the opportunity to walk down the aisle with her father until hope was rekindled through a wholesome meet.

BY ANGELINA DSOUZA

PUBLISHED OCT 20, 2024

Representative Cover Image Source: Black and white portrait of a bride standing with her father | Stockbyte-Getty Images

One of the most important and heartfelt traditions in weddings is for a father to walk his daughter down the aisle. Like many brides, this was a dream for Jeni Stepien. Unfortunately, her dad, Michael Stepien, passed away years before she could marry and one of the heartbreaks was not having her special man with her on her special day, as per CNN. Despite the hallowing feeling and grief, 10 years after her father’s passing, Jeni had her dream come true in the most spectacular way. The woman was moved to tears after knowing there was still a strong link to help her father walk her down the aisle.

Representative Image Source: Father smiling at bride| Maria Teijeiro| Getty Images

The link was Arthur Thomas. Jeni’s dad was murdered 10 years ago and though his death left his family shattered, there was a ray of hope through his heart. The dad’s heart was donated to Thomas and he has been holding a precious piece of the Stepien family ever since. Thomas received the heart in a transplant after a long wait of 16 years, per ABC 7. The family kept in touch with letters, gifts and several gestures but had never met. Jeni found a special reason and occasion to meet the man with her father’s heart when she was getting married and jumped at her first chance. "We've been talking to him and writing letters and calling, and receiving flowers and sending gifts for the past 10 years, and now it's finally here," said Jeni.

Representative Image Source: Bride, wedding and marriage with father walking a woman down the aisle outdoor| Kobus Louw| Getty Images

As Thomas received another letter from the then-to-be bride, he had no clue of the special request he was about to come across. "Jeni wrote me a letter, and she said, 'Tom, I'm the daughter of the man whose heart is inside you, and I'm going to get married on August 6th. One further thing, if you're willing - would you walk me down the aisle?'" Thomas recalled. He was “at death’s door” before he could receive the transplant and Michael’s heart came just in time. So to him, it was more than an opportunity, it was a blessing, an honor and a one-in-a-million memory. “What greater honor could a person have than walking the daughter of the man who’s given his heart to him,” he remarked. The wedding day had arrived and Thomas was ready, carrying Michael in him, as he met the family.

Representative Image Source: Father escorting bride to church| Dario Secen| Getty Images

Michelle, Jeni’s sister recalled, “Just hugging him made me feel like I was close to my dad again which on this day was perfect. It was what I needed.” Thomas met Jeni and for the first time after 10 long years, she was able to hear and feel the heartbeat of her beloved father! No words can explain the relief and joy the bride felt at that moment. “The whole family is here now. It’s like everybody is here,” Jeni said. When the time came, Thomas fulfilled his duty meticulously. Making the moment wholesome and priceless, the duo were flooded with emotions as they walked down the aisle. Jeni felt the experience was nothing short of her dad walking her down the aisle. “And just better because we get to share this story with other people and, you know, other people see that organ donors do matter," she added.