It is not uncommon to see the bride and groom shedding tears at their wedding. And for this one wedding in Florida, the bride and all the guests were in tears when they witnessed a heartwarming moment—the groom dancing with one special woman.
In 2008, Luke and Kristeena Rheault held their wedding at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. When it came time for the mother-son dance, Luke took his mother out onto the dance floor while she sat in her wheelchair.
When the song “Hero” by Mariah Carey started to play in the background, Luke knew he had to think of a way to dance with his mom, so instead of just standing above her, he decided to get down on his knees. While he danced with his mother, he repeatedly kissed her gently.
“I remember feeling uncomfortable standing above her for the first few moments of the dance—it just didn’t feel normal, and that’s when I got down on my knees and danced with her,” Luke told The Huffington Post. “I had no idea of the impact it had on everyone until they had told me.”
“There was not a dry eye in the house, everyone was so touched by the dance,” Kristeena said. “The tears started as soon as Luke dropped down to his knees to dance with her. You can see Luke’s daughter Arianna in the background crying and hugging my mother and then Luke’s father.”
Sadly, little did Luke know that his mom would pass away the following year in 2009.
“I wanted her to feel so special in that very moment, so I tried to make the best of it and spin her around and continue smiling with her,” he said. “I don’t recall at any point in the wedding thinking that these might be my last few moments with my mother. So I did what felt right at the time, and I’m really glad I did because it’s a memory that has well-served its purpose.”
Luke, who watched the dance in its entirety for the first time in 2015, was overwhelmed with emotions.
The touching video has amassed over 17 million views since it was posted.
“I found myself reliving all that this woman did for me—everything that she embodied as a mother and everything she taught me to be,” Luke said.
“I tell it to everyone: ‘It’s a void that can never be filled.’ I’ve never considered myself to be a mama’s boy, but I’ve always appreciated everything she has done for me. Growing up and getting older enhances the power of those feelings.”
For the couple who have spent 11 years together, this moment is one that will last in their memories forever.
It is like what Luke said—we should always be appreciative of the good things our parents have done for us. So be sure to tell your parents how thankful you are before it’s too late.
