27 Years Ago, Man Was Advised To Send Wife To Nursing Home, But He Took Her Around The World Instead

Dec 12, 2018

When you see elderly couples that have been together for 50+ years, it is a wonderful thing! In today’s world, that type of lasting relationship may sometimes feel unattainable. With many marriages now ending in divorce, it always makes your heart soar to see ones that have stood by their vows and overcome life’s difficulties together. The incredible love story of Andy and Donna Fierlit is one that can’t help but make your heart feel full of joy.

Andy and Donna’s love started out in the most romantic of ways: the two were high school sweethearts. They met in 1958 and dated several years before getting married over 50 years ago. They had 4 beautiful children together and are now the grandparents to 12 wonderful grandchildren.

However, sadness struck the couple in 1991. Donna and Andy were at a Christmas party when Donna had an intense migraine that was so severe the couple had to leave the party immediately. Donna went to bed, believing it was a simple migraine she could sleep away, but, unfortunately, that was not the case.

The very next day, Donna collapsed on the spot from a brain aneurysm. The next day she woke up at the hospital. The doctors informed her that she was partially paralyzed.

Donna would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. The doctors told Andy that the best thing he could do for Donna was to place her in a nursing home that could give her full-time care. They told him that she would require too much hands-on care for Andy to handle by himself. Andy considered taking the doctor’s orders. Andy considered his options deeply. However, his mind kept returning to the words he spoke in the vows he and Donna took years ago: “for better or worse.”

Andy knew he had made a commitment to Donna. Instead of taking her to a nursing home, he went out and purchased two tickets for a luxury cruise to Bermuda! The couple had always dreamed of traveling to that exotic destination. The cruise to Bermuda would be the very first of dozens of trips for the couple. The two have explored the world together and don’t plan to slow down anytime soon.

Andy admits that sometimes it is challenging. However, he also knows that he has loved Donna since the very first time the two met in high school. He has committed himself to spend the rest of his life with her and to overcome any challenge that may arise.

Donna remains in a wheelchair and often suffers from some short-term memory issues. Yet, Donna remains incredibly positive every day. She says she is grateful for the spectacular life that she and Andy live, as well as all the adventures the two have been able to have together.

The couple also noted that on every trip they have taken they have encountered loving, caring people who have gone out of their way to accommodate Donna’s needs. The two work with people they meet on their travels to think creatively when things don’t go as planned.

Donna speaks about one trip to Brussels where there was no wheelchair ramp at a particular train station. Instead of letting that get them down, they quickly remedied the situation by using a luggage cart to transport Donna onto the train. The two laughed about the situation. They have vowed to always make the best of whatever comes their way.

To date, Andy and Donna have visited over 20 countries and have been to all seven continents, with Scandinavia being next on their list.

Their children are incredibly encouraged by how their parents have stuck to the vows that they made over 50 years ago.

What an incredible story of holding true to the vows you make in a wedding ceremony. How inspired are you by this incredible couple? Pass along this inspirational, real-life love story!