LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A couple's wedding dreams came true this Valentine's Day, but it wasn't easy to keep those plans in place.
After two challenging months of recovery, Hillard and Lana Cecil didn't think their wedding day would be possible. The two thought they would have to postpone their wedding date when during a routine shoulder surgery, Hillard suffered a massive stroke. He was in a coma for days and underwent an emergency brain surgery.
"She has been great. She's been by my side every day," Hillard Cecil said of Lana.
Once again, the two are inseparable, but this time it is on a happier note. This Valentine's Day, the two finally got to tie the knot.
"The day I was bringing him into surgery, we discussed what we wanted to do. We hadn't really made a lot of plans but Valentine's Day came up," Lana recalled.
Now, Hillard will never forget his anniversary date. It is all thanks to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center. They wanted to honor the couple's wedding plans by hosting it at the center. They even invited a small group of friends and family to join them. CEO Jarrett Millsaps says this is the first time he has attended a wedding here, but it is important they do whatever they can to make their patients comfortable during their stay.
"It is just special to see these moments that are incredibly human and be part of it. So it is a happy day, a happy Valentine's Day," Millsaps said.
The wedding is just icing on the cake for the couple. They are most thankful for Hillard regaining his health.
"It has been a blessing," Lana said. "Thank God for all the improvements. He has gotten excellent care and therapy here."
Hillard's recovery isn't quite complete yet, but he hopes to go home to his wife soon.
