'It's love at its purest': Married couple for 6 decades renews vows on hospital beds

Jesse and Mary Lou Cirino, a couple married for 66 years recently renewed their vows on their hospital beds. 

According to a report by ABC affiliate KABC-TV, 91-year-old Jesse was first hospitalized for several weeks for heart procedures. Shortly after, Marylou was admitted due to severe abdominal pain and other health issues. 

The two were both admitted at St. John's Medical Center in Oxnard but were lodged on separate floors. 

Realizing that the married couple were “inseparable,” the hospital staff brought Marylou to her husband just a day after she was admitted. 

Despite their conditions, the two have decided to celebrate their 66 years of marriage by renewing their vows right in the hospital.

“Today, our staff helped make a remarkable reunion happen between 91-year-old Jesse Cirino and his wife, 92-year-old Marylou, including an unforgettable ceremony where they were able to renew their vows together!” St. John Hospital wrote on their July 28 Facebook post. 

The intimate, special event was attended by their four daughters, who couldn’t help but shed tears during the simple ceremony. Meanwhile, Nurse Shannon Morris said that the couple’s love played a significant role in their recovery. 

“Really, the healing power of love is what has helped their medical recovery as well,” she said. 

When asked why she loves her husband so much, Marylou said: "Something happens and it clicks, and it turns to deep, strong love." 

For his part, Jesse described her wife as “kind, caring, and understanding.” 

"We've had our ups and downs,” Jesse said. “But that's what makes a marriage last a long time." 

The couple's daughter said she's honored to be able to witness such an everlasting love 

"It's love at its purest, and it's an enduring love," said one of their daughters, Valeri Cirino-Paez, who can’t help but be emotional about her parents’ extraordinarily strong bond.