A couple staged their wedding proposal so the “bride-to-be’s” great grandma who has early-stage dementia could experience the moment with them.
Mia Baker, 18, from Sandusky, Ohio, was left heartbroken when great grandma, Linda Lamb, 85, who she describes as her best friend, was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.
Before Linda moved to Tennessee, she would take care of a young Mia, and the pair still FaceTime every day to chat about life’s goings-on.
During a recent visit back to Ohio, Linda spent time with Mia’s boyfriend, Haydon, 18, and immediately adored him – encouraging her great granddaughter to get married.
Mia said although one day she hopes a proposal will become a reality – due to the degenerative nature of her great grandma’s condition, she and Haydon wanted to make Linda’s dream come true.
On November 10, at Linda’s daughter’s house, in Fremont, Ohio, Linda sat in a chair while Mia and Haydon entered the room, with Haydon getting down on one knee to “propose.”
An excited Linda couldn’t contain her joy, as her jaw dropped with delight before gazing at the ring, clapping her hands with glee and exclaiming “how wonderful!”
Since that moment, Linda continues to ask Mia if she can see the ring and when the big day is coming, which Mia and Haydon have continued to play along with the keep up her spirits.
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After sharing the video online, their heartwarming gesture immediately went viral with more than 13 million views.
Mia said: “My great grandma and I were very close growing up; she helped take care of me until she moved to Tennessee when I was young.
“I still Facetime her every day and talk about our days, she is truly my best friend.
“She was diagnosed with dementia about two years ago and it broke my heart.
“This is the first time she was able to come visit since she was diagnosed.
“She absolutely adores Haydon and from the first time she saw him, she told me we need to get married and start a family.
“We came up with the idea for him to fake a proposal in front of her to make her dreams come true.
“We were all at my grandma’s for dinner when we decided to do it.
“After we ate, she was sitting in the chair, and Haydon got down on one knee and she lost it.
“She was so happy and yelling out of excitement it was such a beautiful moment to see her so excited and happy.
“It made her whole year.”
