When Ray Jenkins talks about his love for his new wife, Barbara, he's talking about something more experienced than fleeting romance. He's talking about familiarity, about needing one another physically and mentally.

"She's good for me and I'm good for her," said Ray.

In a ceremony presided over by Elder Cox and organized by Bethany Home staff, Ray Jenkins, 76, and Barbara Hunter, 68, were united in holy matrimony on July 6, 2006. About 40 people attended the wedding, which was followed by a reception.

Bonnie McClain, who is Ray's cousin and caregiver, was pleased with the couple's desire to wed at Bethany Home.

"We go to a lot of funerals, so it was a pleasure to do the wedding," said McClain. "It was a beautiful ceremony."

Although they've both spent about two years at the retirement home, the couple first met at Bethany Home five months ago. And as soon as they met, Ray said, they knew that they needed one another.

"You just meet someone you care for and can take care of," said Ray. "We're always here for one another."

Ray, a native of Jenkins County, lost his legs in complications resulting from an accident where he fell from a building. Before coming to Bethany Home, he spent ten years in hospitals across the country, from New York to Tampa.

He spent 48 years before that working as a carpenter, roofer and construction worker. When he was young, Ray toured and played music. Coincidentally, his partner was Barbara's first husband, years before the two were married.

Barbara's first husband died two years ago, and she's been at Bethany Home ever since. Because she was born paralyzed, she has difficulty speaking and moving. But she has no problem letting Ray help her communicate and get around the building.

Indeed, Ray's wedding vow to Barbara was that he would always push her around - but just when she's in her wheelchair.

Barbara has already gone to the hospital twice since she and Ray were married, but the two remain optimistic.

"If you expect bad times, you'll get bad times," said Ray. "We've had some hard medical times, but we've had a good life."

While the couple can't travel because of their declining health, they are content to spend their days together at Bethany Home, relaxing with the other residents and helping wherever they're needed.

Ray was thankful to everyone at Bethany Home for the success of the wedding, especially thanking Administrator Regina Bell and Assistant Administrator Evie Wiggins for their roles in organizing the ceremony.

"They're all good to me, I'll tell you that," said Ray. "I've got no bad names for anyone here."

"Me neither," said Barbara.