In the chapel of an Ottawa hospital, Jon and Patricia Ann Rogers renewed their wedding vows in front of a small group of friends and family. The couple said their vows a few weeks after doctors diagnosed Patricia Ann Rogers with lung cancer, giving her only a few days to live.
Doctors diagnosed the 54-year-old on April 10. But she surprised them, and continues to outlive their prognosis. She remains in palliative care at Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital.
"Pat keeps surprising everybody," Jon Rogers told CTV Ottawa.
Patricia Ann Rogers said they both decided the time was right to renew their vows.
"We've been talking about renewing our vows since our 25th anniversary, so why wait?" she said.
Together, the couple renewed their vows in front of the friends and family, including their two sons.
"It's a very bittersweet renewal, it is," Jon Rogers said.
Their son, Ben Rogers, said he was happy to witness the declaration of his parents’ commitment under such difficult circumstances.
"Just knowing that she may not be around for all that much longer, for them to have that chance to bring things full circle," he said.
Merle Hagerman, who served as the original maid of honour at the couple's wedding, was at the renewal ceremony.
"I'm just so fortunate to be here today, something that's very dear to my heart," she said.
After the couple renewed their vows, Jon Rogers leaned in to kiss his wife. "I love you," he said.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
