Madeline, who is 94, cried a bit when we told her that Wayne and Ruth were getting married in May. She thought it was wonderful, “how great that two people here fell in love and decided to marry each other.”

It is a rare thing in assisted care, but a beautiful thing. I am the Best Man, as it turns out, Maria is a Bridesmaid. As the date looms, Wayne and Ruth asked me to step in, the Mansion staff is busy and prone to distraction.

Wayne asked Red to be present as his Second Best Man.

So I called a meeting this morning – me, the office staff and aides, Ruth and Wayne – and we are setting things in motion. Several aides will be bridesmaids and flower girls.

I said the Army Of Good will help support the wedding – flowers, clothes, food, music for about 30 people, maybe 40. The Mansion keeps leading me to new things. I am a whiz at finding outsized bras and underwear and am now Wedding Planner.

I am new to this, it seems like I’m learning something new every week.

(I invite anyone out there to make decorations for the wedding – cutouts, posters, decorations, even favors for the attendees, almost all Mansion staff and residents. I invite anyone out there to send messages of hope and congratulations to Ruth and Wayne, The Mansion, 11 S.  Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.)

I get to buy the stuff. No one there has the money for that. After meditation, I met with Wayne and Ruth. Wayne has no funds of his own, Ruth’s are very limited. Wayne asked for black sweatpants – he is bound to his wheel chair.

And a black pullover shirt, xxlarge for both.

I went on Amazon with my Iphone and showed the pants and shirt to both of them on the phone, we picked them out together and ordered them.

They are pretty cute when talking about the wedding, they just  light up. I got Ruth an address book Friday and she is carefully writing down the names and addresses of all the guests. It seems they all live at the Mansion.

Ruth and Wayne each wanted an angel pin for their lapels. I said they didn’t have any lapels, but they said they would figure something out, I found one online for $7.99, and bought two.

They are challenging and upending the stereotypes of older people that exist in America. Good for them.

We decided to ask Minister Carol, who conducts prayer services at the Mansion, if she would marry Wayne and Ruth on May 15, the date of the wedding. I delegated that desk. I’m sure she will be delighted.

I’m getting the flowers from a nearby florist in Salem, N.Y.

Ruth wants a corsage for herself and Wayne, she asks that the people in the wedding party “dress up,” and I asked her what that means. She said, “you know, a shirt with buttons.” I can do that.

I admit to being a little nervous. I’ve never planned a wedding beforer.

A local musician named Ray Gifford often plays at the Mansion, Wayne is fond of him. Julie Harlin, the Activities Director is going to call him and hire him for the wedding. I have to look for a local baker to make a cake and cupcakes for  the wedding reception. We’ll have punch also.

Ruth isn’t shy about what she wants, I did tell her we didn’t have an unlimited amount of money. And it has to help a lot of people.

But the Mansion is quite excited about the wedding, the first in anyone’s memory. Good for Wayne and Ruth. I hope I can make it memorable and nice.

If you would like to help with the wedding, here are the ways.

l. You can make cards or decorations or favors or things to hang on the wall that celebrate love and hope and Wayne and Ruth. You can send them to Ruth And  Wayne, Wedding, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue Cambridge, or if you prefer, to me at P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

2. You can donate to my Wedding Fund via Paypal, [email protected], or by check, Jon Katz,  Wedding, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

I don’t wish to put together a lavish wedding, but I would like them to have what they want. I’m buying clothes, flowers, corsages, cake and cupcakes (with lettering), a musician for two hours angel pins and perhaps a thoughtful and small wedding gift for each of them. God knows what else Ruth will come up with.

I’m thinking this will cost $500 at a minimum, cheap for a wedding,  pricey for the Mansion.

Wayne wants me to hold the ring before the service and perhaps get him a new hat.

They will be sharing a larger room in the Mansion. This is a happy and joyous thing, I am happy to be a part of it. Thanks for your help.