In 2017, high school student Stephen Vigil received devastating news about his grandmother Julia Vigil, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 91. Given just six months to live, Vigil decided to make the most of the time they had left together by taking her to prom.
Jarman, as Vigil fondly called his grandmother, had been his best friend since he was a baby. As a result, Vigil knew it was the right thing to do to make the prom one of the most memorable moments in their lives. Vigil also learned that his grandmother didn’t go to her own prom, and this made him even more determined to make the night special for her.
Vigil and his mother sought permission from the school principal to allow him to take his grandma to prom, but they were initially denied because the school does not usually allow anyone above 21 years old to attend. However, the school eventually granted permission because it was a special request, and it was important for both of them.
When Vigil and Jarman arrived at the venue, the school presented Jarman with a tiara and sash made especially for her. The prom night was also the eve of Vigil’s grandmother’s 92nd birthday, which made the occasion even more special.
Jarman proved to be the sweetest grandmother by picking out a blue dress to match her grandson’s vest and bow tie. They danced to one of her favorite songs, Elvis Presley’s classic hit ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ and Jarman sang along with her grandson.
The prom was not the only special moment for Vigil and Jarman. A few weeks before prom, they went on a week-long trip to Florida, courtesy of Dream Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to the terminally ill.
Sadly, Jarman passed away less than three months after attending the prom, but she died knowing that her grandson did something magical for her. Vigil said that he would never forget that night with his grandmother, and he was glad that he had the opportunity to make it a special one for her.