I have happy news from the Mansion. Ruth and Wayne, two happy and loving residents who have fallen in love, have decided to get married in May.

The wedding, they told me today, will be held at the Mansion. Wayne asked me if I would be his Best Man, and I accepted. Ruth asked if Maria would be her bridesmaid, she said she would be delighted to accept.

At their request, I  brought them an address/phone book so they could begin collecting addresses and phone numbers of people they want to invite.

I’ve know these two for a couple of years. They both attend our Friday Bingo games faithfully, and Wayne has been to every one of my readings and all of my Meditation Classes. He is an avid reader, and has devoured countless large print novels and picture books.

Wayne suffered some debilitating health issues a few years ago and came to the Mansion with little more than the clothes on his back. Ruth and her husband Ken, also in need, came to the Mansion about the same time.

The Army Of Good to help both of these people in many ways, especially in purchasing a full compliment of clothes and shoes and nightclothes.

Ken died in 2018 and Ruth and Wayne became a couple some months later. Ruth and  Wayne can be seen all day at the Mansion holding hands, or going into one or the other of their rooms to watch TV. They are always together.

Wayne can’t walk, he is wheel chair bound. He is one of Red’s favorites, they are close.

Both of them have a sly sense of humor and have become inseparable. Their total support for one another is uplifting. Love and life can thrive anywhere, if people are brave enough and strong enough to look for it.

I hope to help them with their wedding, especially in getting some flowers and food and music for the occasion. They might need some clothes.

Love amongst aging, sickness, struggle and death is especially beautiful and precious. I think it is sacred. Good for Ruth and Wayne, courageous enough to fall in love and celebrate it with their peers and friends. We are also their family.

I’d appreciate any help people want to offer. The wedding is scheduled for about one month away, I don’t think it should be lavish, but I would like to make it lovely and memorable. They have asked for my help.

Wayne asked if Red and Bud could come also. I said Red will surely be there, I have to think about Bud. I can see him eating the flowers.

If you wish, you can write the couple and congratulate them c/o Ruth and Wayne, The Manson, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

If you wish to support their wedding, you can donate via Paypal, [email protected]. Please mark the donation for “Wedding.” Checks can be sent to Jon Katz. The Wedding, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

This is a very touching and happy announcement, the Mansion staff and aides were thrilled. So am I.

This is the third time in my life I’ve been asked to be a Best Man, perhaps the most important. I’m very pleased and humbled to be asked to participate, so is Maria.  I wish these two a long and happy life together.

Thanks for your help.