A day to remember.

Spencer cousin, Phil Casanta (Shirley Spencer's son) and Rachel Sears were married at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008 in the Crown Plaza Hotel next to the surf in Ventura, but Shirley wasn't there.

Earlier in the morning Shirley was helping to decorate. While standing on a chair to reach the arch she lost her balance, fell and broke both bones in her right wrist. She was whisked off to the hospital, after leaving instructions for the wedding to go on.

The 11:30 a.m. start time was pushed back an hour as adjustments were made.

The hospital staff took up the cause of the mother of the groom. She was processed, given emergency treatment, a splint, painkillers and released in record time. Even though she wasn't present for the ceremony (which was videotaped) and she didn't get to wear her special dress, sporting a hospital sling and sans make-up, she got back in time for the Reception. Her entrance prompted a standing ovation.

In typical Shirley fashion, she merely pinned her corsage prominently on her sling and fully enjoyed the festivities - although less actively than planned.

The break is serious. The preliminary word is that surgery, and perhaps a plate, will be required to get everything in alignment. But those issues will wait until Monday, April 7, 2008.