DEAR ABBY: I don't know if this follows the Golden Rule, but it does answer the question, "What are friends for?" This is my response to Elmer and Gladys:
DEAR FRIENDS: Sorry to learn we didn't win the lottery to attend your wedding. In order to celebrate your good fortune, we decided to take the sum of nearly $500 we had saved for your wedding gift and do the following:
We spent the money at a luxurious hotel where we had a three-course dinner and offered a number of toasts in your honor with our favorite champagne in celebration of your future happiness. When you return home, we'd be glad to tell you of all the kind thoughts we had of you in absentia. If you'll take us out to dinner, we can discuss our good fortune. Best wishes to you both. -- HERMAN IN CYPRESS, CALIF.