At 95, grandfather of bride fulfills promise to be “Flower Grandad” at her wedding after surviving surgery

Ask any would-be bride out there and they’ll likely tell you that they’ve dreamed of certain aspects of their wedding day for years, sometimes their entire lives.

For most of us, by the time we actually get married, knowing that our nearest and dearest will be there for the big day is enough, though that’s not to say every bridge and groom doesn’t aim to add their own unique touch.

For Rachel Pitman, who married her partner in July, 2023, there was one thing she wanted above all else: to have her 95-year-old grandfather as her flower boy.

You’ve likely 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’?

Likely not. I’ll admit to never having given 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 of petals, throwing them out as he beamed with pride.

In a separate Instagram post, Rachel revealed just why Bert’s presence meant so much to her, explaining that the 95-year-old had undergone a tricky surgical procedure in the year leading up to her wedding. The chances of him recovering from the surgery were, according to Rachel, slim.

“Doctors told us recovery was slim and even if he did recover, he wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, or eat again,” Rachel’s post read.

“In the period of time 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.”