People find love in endless different ways. Some people meet their romantic partner through dating apps and singles groups, others meet at work or social gatherings. One place you don’t hear about as often are care centers. Timothy Wilson, 48, and Rebecca Kleinfelter, age 59, prove that love can grow wherever you plant it. In their case, they met, fell in love, and wedded all in Cambria Care Center in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.
Five years ago, Rebecca, who suffers from myotonic dystrophy, a type of muscular dystrophy, was in the ICU. Her family was concerned she may not survive. Myotonic dystrophy is a rare disease that causes muscle wasting and weakness. It often doesn’t begin until well into adulthood. To read more about myotonic dystrophy, click here.
Yet, not only did Rebecca survive, but she found a new happiness in her relationship with Timothy. A little over two years ago, the two struck up a friendship in the lounge. When Timothy asked Rebecca for a courtship, she knew exactly what her answer was.
Last Sunday, Rebecca wore a white veil and gown in her reclining wheelchair, while Timothy sat in his wheelchair beside her, wearing a black suit and pink bow tie. There are flower petals at their feet. Rebecca’s sons, Ian and Sean, are the groomsmen, standing behind the couple. Tim’s brother, Bud Wilson, served as the best man, and Cindy Hodges was the matron of honor. The wedding had 30 guests, including Rebecca’s brother. The care home’s activity director, who helped organize the celebration, reports, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”
There hasn’t been a wedding at the Cambria Care Center for the past seven years. Timothy certainly didn’t think he’d find a wife there. He had never envisioned himself getting married at that point in his life, but when he met Rebecca, she changed everything for him.
While Rebecca’s family are thrilled and impressed, they’re less surprised. They knew that even in a difficult circumstance, her optimism and resilience would shine through. “Only my romantic mother could pull this off,” her son, Ian, says.
