"Will You Marry Me?" Memories Fade, But Love Remains... A Couple's Second Proposal After 39 Years

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Seven Years Ago
A Couple's Renewed Vows Begin Again in a Nursing Facility

The story of a man in his 70s, who, after losing all memory of his 39-year marriage due to Alzheimer's disease, proposed to his wife again and held a second wedding, has touched many in the United States.

On January 26 (local time), The Washington Post reported that Michael O’Reilly (77), who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, and his wife Linda Feldman (78) held a second wedding ceremony on January 10 at a nursing facility in Berkeley, California. This second wedding came about after O’Reilly proposed to his wife again in November of last year.

Their story goes back to 1979. Both were working as public defenders in California when they first met as colleagues. At the time, each was married to someone else, but after both went through divorces, they grew closer over shared lunches. Eventually, in 1987, they held a modest wedding and became husband and wife.

Since then, the couple lived together for 39 years, traveling to various countries around the world and complementing each other’s different personalities. Feldman described herself as a “high-strung Jewish woman” and O’Reilly as “an adventurous Irish Catholic man,” recalling, “We kept each other balanced by pushing each other in different directions.”

However, seven years ago, O’Reilly was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and their daily life changed dramatically. Once able to deliver hours-long closing arguments without a single note, he gradually lost his memory, and there were many days when he could not even recall his wife’s name or their relationship. Ultimately, about two years ago, they made the decision for him to move into a nursing facility. Despite this, his love for his wife remained. Feldman said, “Even though my husband doesn’t know who I am, he knows that he loves me. Every time I visit, he holds my hand, kisses me, and tells me he loves me.”

Then, in November of last year, O’Reilly embraced Feldman and proposed to her again, saying, “Will you marry me?” Feldman decided that explaining they were already married might only confuse him, so she accepted his proposal without saying anything. Upon hearing the news, staff at the nursing facility, along with family and friends, prepared a small wedding for the couple. The space was decorated with flowers and balloons, a wedding album and cake were prepared, and about 25 guests attended. Feldman worried whether her husband would understand the meaning of the ceremony, but O’Reilly spent the entire day smiling with joy.

A staff member at the nursing facility said, “Every time O’Reilly sees his wife, it’s as if he falls in love with her all over again. This moment showed that even with dementia, people can still live lives that are dignified and meaningful.” Feldman said, “This is a story of hope. Life brings many crises, but love can help us endure even the greatest obstacles.”