Couple ties knot at area rehab center

CHRIS PAGANO * capagano@semissourian.com

Michael Winchester and Erin Boland decided to associuate happy memories with the date Sept. 11 by getting married. The ceremony was held at Heartland Care and Rehab Center in Cape Girardeau.By Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

A couple decided to make something positive out of the date of Sept. 11. They decided to get married.

The ceremony for Erin Boland and Michael Winchester was held Heartland Care and Rehab Center, where Boland's grandmother, Lora Wiseman, had been a resident for four years. Wiseman was unable to leave the center, so the wedding was originally planned to be held there for her convenience.

But Wiseman died Aug. 11. The couple went ahead with the plans knowing how much it meant to the residents.

Boland had come to know many of the residents from the many visits with her grandmother.

"Erin is a big star," said resident Mary Ward. "I think it's wonderful. I can't remember the last time I went to a wedding."

Boland brought her Siberian husky, Stormy, along when she visited Wiseman at the facility. Stormy also participated in the ceremony as escort to the flower girl, 9-year-old Jacqueline Maddox.

"I feel bad that Lora's going to miss it, but she's with us every day in our hearts," said resident Willie Joe Cohen. "She could always make you smile."

About 90 people, 30 of whom were residents, attended the outdoor ceremony performed by the Rev. Ray Placher.

One of the guests was Wiseman's roommate, Jeffery Fowler.

"I remember Lora as special," he said. "She was my favorite roommate and she was always happy." Fowler practiced dancing especially for the occasion.

Heartland administrator Glenda Cato said the center has had "baptisms in the whirlpool, but so far this is the first wedding."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133