Tomorrow is the Commitment Ceremony for Ruth and Wayne at the Mansion. I’m excited and they are too, Ruth was uncharacteristically shy yesterday in anticipation of the ceremony, but she did want to show off her purple hair and red fingernails.

This afternoon, I’m going to the florist to pick up about $200 worth of flowers. Tonight I’m driving to Pownal, Vt. to pick up $125 worth of cake, cupcakes and cookies from Emily Gold’s bakery, Paper, Cake, Scissors.

Tomorrow, I’m conducting the Commitment Ceremony, I have written about half of it, and will be sharing readings I’ve gleamed from books and the Internet.

A commitment ceremony is similar to a wedding ceremony, except it isn’t legal or binding. The couple can end the relationship at any time.

The ceremony I’ve laid out should take between 10 and 15 minutes. I’m also Wayne’s Best Man, and Maria will be carrying Ruth’s ring. The ceremony will be simple, and hopefully, touching.

Four people will be doing very short readings: Kassi, Bonnie, Peggie and Brittany. I’ve written the vows and the introduction.That’s about it, we also hired Ray Gifford, a musician to play a couple of love songs at the beginning and end of the ceremony.

I am happy to be doing this ceremony and thanks for your support. I am a believer in love, and it is special to see love and commitment thriving at the Mansion, a Medicaid Assisted Care Facility.

This ceremony is a testament to the power of love, at any place, at any time. Love lives everywhere.

I think Ruth and Wayne are brave to do this and I want the ceremony to be as nice and thoughtful as possible.