Grab a tissue before watching this groom share a last dance with his mom dying from ALS. The gentle giant of a groom is Anthony “Scooter” Hightower, and his beautiful momma is Terri. And, their tender moments together on the dance floor at his reception will touch your heart!
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and it is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts nerve cells in both the brain and the spinal cord. ALS, in advanced stages, can cause those with the disease to lose their ability to eat, speak, move, and even breathe. It is truly a tragic illness.
In the video, which Terri’s family posted after her passing, we see Scooter honor his mother in the kindest and loving way. He gives her the gift of a mother-son dance at his wedding. Every mother with a son looks forward to having that special dance before giving their baby boy away to another. That certainly must have been the same for Terri, and Scooter made it happen.
Scooter wheels his mother to the middle of the dance floor. With help from his father, he lifts his frail mother from the wheelchair and holds her in his arms. Scooter slowly sways to the music, safely embracing his mother and crying on her shoulder—at once, a strong protector and a tearful, little boy.
As family and friends watch the two, no one is unmoved. This is a poignant moment. We can only imagine the emotions that are felt by Terri and Scooter, their family and friends, and the reception guests.
Two things are certain. Terri taught her son well, and Terri loved her son well.
As the dance ends, Scooter gently returns his mother to her wheelchair. The guests clap and surround Terri with love and support. Terri died at the age of 59, having raised a good man, ten days after the wedding. We feel sure that Terri is dancing without limitation now.
Terri’s family shared this video so that people might learn more about ALS.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” Proverbs 1:8