Have you ever thought about what you would want to do if you knew you had limited time left?
With the help of his doctors and a group of complete strangers, one Ohio man’s dying wish brought him to Myrtle Beach to make some beautiful, lasting memories with his family.
A 27-year-old father of three, Hunter Knisley, was given just weeks to live after a lifetime battle with Becker muscular dystrophy and, recently, another painful side effect— heart failure.
However, he refused to let his illness rob him of one of his final wishes, the opportunity to see his bride, Emily, walk down the aisle.
"We got some pretty tough news about my health recently," Hunter Knisley said. "Now, we just wanted to spend as much time as possible together."
Their wedding on the beach was made complete with matching outfits for their children, a white lace dress for Emily, and a host of other elegant touches that made the evening magical.
"We both love the beach," exclaims Emily, the bride. "We came when we were kids, and we wanted to bring our kids to the beach and play. We weren't sure we were going to get to it, but thanks to a bunch of people, we were able to not only bring our kids but also get married at the beach."
From Emily's processional to their first kiss as husband and wife, there wasn't a dry eye on the beach, including the groom, who was in awe of his bride.
"No words, I cried a little bit," Hunter said. "She’s beautiful! She’s the love of my life."
That love seems to be almost destined from a very early age. They’ve always been close, referring to themselves as time twins.
"We were both born on March 30, 1995, same hospital," said Hunter.
Along with being born on the same day at the same hospital, their Social Security numbers are just one number apart.
"He was born right before me," Emily added. Now, time is something they treasure more than ever.
"Not everybody gets to have the time that we do," Emily exclaimed. "And although it is heartbreaking, I can’t help but be thankful that we do. I have the time to make these memories and this time with the kids, and we just get to spend as much time together as we can and cherish everything."
For the Knisleys, this trip, this gift of hope came at a time when they needed it most.
"It’s a light in the dark, and we’ve had so much bad news, scary things in the last couple of weeks," Emily said. "And then, we just got this call, and you know we were going to be able to come down here, and not only that, but they got us the hotel, and they did the ceremony for us. Everything that we never thought we’d be able to do, it means a lot, a lot."
Another important thing for this couple to do is share their story.
"She is my strength; she helps me through every day," said Hunter. "I don’t know what I would do without her and the kids."
The couple hopes to provide strength for others through their own invaluable perspective.
"He is so much more than he thinks he is," Emily exclaimed. "And, I wish he could see himself the way I see him and the way a lot of people see him. You’re very special, and everybody loves you."
As of the latest reports, Hunter Knisley has defied doctors' initial expectations and is living a wonderful, happily married family life.