A Heartbreaking 'Happy Birthday' Video Goes Viral as Husband and Wife Realize It's His Last (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Josh Schlick and his children on his 48th birthday.Photo:Amanda Schlick

Amanda Schlick

A very bittersweet birthday celebration struck a chord with many on TikTok.

In a now-viralvideo, Amanda Schlick shares the heart-wrenching moment she and her three kids celebrate her husband’s final birthday before his death from stomach cancer.

The TikTok depicts Amanda attempting to sing “Happy Birthday” to Josh on his 48th birthday. Her voice falters as the weight of reality overwhelms her, as she knew it would be the last time she’d sing those familiar words to him. Josh senses her distress as he subtly acknowledges the unspoken sadness between them on camera.

Nonetheless, Josh keeps a brave face for his kids as he blows out the candles to his donut cake. “Everyone gets a donut birthday cake for breakfast on their birthdays. And so, he actually got another birthday cake later on that day,” Amanda tells PEOPLE.

Before his death, Josh worked as a police officer for 17 years, a sergeant for 15 of them. Not long ago, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer, which progressed rapidly, leaving the family little time to process the turn of events.

“He only had symptoms for about a month,” Amanda recounts. “It just started with some pain under his midline ribcage and we thought it might’ve been an ulcer he got from working his job or something like that.”

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Josh and Amanda Schlick with their children.Amanda Schlick

In the wake of Josh’s death, the community gathered together to honor his memory. A plaque was placed in front of the police department he worked at for most of his professional life. Additionally, a memorial scholarship was created to benefit those who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Amanda ultimately chose to share her experience on TikTok, where it resonated deeply with many. At first, she was hesitant about telling such a personal story, but has found solace in the fact that many can relate to her.

Amanda Schlick and kids in front of Josh Schlick’s plaque.Amanda Schlick

“Everyone had put their sad stories in and they all knew somebody who had cancer. I think that’s why TikTok resonates with so many people,” she shares.

As the Schlick family navigates life without Josh, Amanda offers her perspective on grief, saying, “You don’t move on, you just move forward. Because you can move forward in your life and you still have that grief in your heart, but you just go on because life is for the living.”

source: people.com