Walt Sundberg called Friday night, and after about ten minutes of conversation he suddenly stated, "I'm getting married on Monday." I responded with several seconds of silence. Walt continued, "She's someone you know." More silence.

Various thoughts swam in my head when he told me the news. My complete speechlessness was not due to a shortage of mental activity--quite the opposite. I love mysteries and guessing games, but I confess this one would have kept me baffled for quite a while. I would have liked to ask for clues if he wouldn't tell me outright, but I wasn't even sure how to do that. Walt finally took pity and told me the rest of the tale. I think the first coherent statement I made in response was that I felt I had been an inadvertent matchmaker.

This relationship began at last year's Los Alamos Foray. Those who attended will remember--besides the tons of mushrooms--that we had a guest of honor. As part of our return to Los Alamos, it was very important to me--and I thought for the club--that this person attend. I'm sure she would have been there without my insistence, but I was insistent in reminding her that we cared.

As I think back, I remember Walt and her engaged in a quiet chat as the evening's activities settled down. I actually recall feeling pleased at seeing them together, but the thought was soon lost in the chaos of the event. It turns out that in Los Alamos we witnessed the beginning of a relationship which would have these two visiting other forays and learning to enjoy time together.

If any readers think that I expect some credit for what came to be, I would assure them that I do not. It was just welcome luck, like the summer rains after a long drought or the mushroom bounty blessing the event at which they met. I hope all will share my feeling of good fortune that Fran Rogers recognized a man of quality in Walt Sundberg and that Walt appreciated the rare grace which makes Fran such a special person. May happiness define their lives together for years to come.

David Wallis