Maria and I came to the Mansion to visit residents with Red, but when we came into the activity room, Maria was invited to sit down and talk. The women at the Mansion are fascinated by her colorful leggings, they want to know where she buys her clothes. She is a fashion hit there.

She was also asked a lot about her upcoming trip to India, and we had a great discussion about hygiene, toilets, food and sex trafficking. At least three of the women in the room – Madeline, who is 93, Jean and Barbara, said they would love to go to India with her.

Everyone talked about the trips they had taken, and the experiences they had in their other lives. We had a good time, it was a fun and lively discussion. Barbara, who was sitting next to Maria, talked about a trip to Alaska, and the blue ice she loved there. She said she’d go again in a minute. “I’ll go to India too, if I can,” she said.

Maybe next trip. As the residents get to know us, the stories and the memories flow more easily. I have received several invitations to come to the Mansion for dinner while Maria is away. I accepted for one evening, Red is invited also. The activity room is a nerve center for the Mansion, we talked for a half hour, but had to make other visits to people. Maria comes along sometimes, she is a big hit there.

I think the women there are especially interested in hearing her story, she is comfortable telling. I am often struck by the openness of women to friendship, to talking to one another. It is not something most men experience.