Yesterday, we went to the Mansion  to drop off some Valentine’s Day gifts – they are now pouring in –  and Katie Perez, the Mansion director, called us over to say hello to Ellen, who is new to the Mansion. I sat by while Ellen cuddle with Red – she misses her dogs and cats, like almost everyone at the Mansion. Katie was reassuring Ellen about life at the Mansion, she said she saw she had already made one friend – Diane, and that she, Katie, was another friend.

“I know,” said Ellen, “I love you.” Of all the emotional moments I see at the Mansion, the most powerful are those of the first days or weeks, when the residents first arrive. They have left everything they know and love behind, almost certainly for good, they are crossing from one phase of life to another, and they know it.

It can be a lonely time, especially before they have a chance to settle and meet people.

However loving the care, there is a sense of loss and sadness about that, and Katie was so skillful and loving about dealing with it, the two held hands for a long time. There is much love around the Mansion, it is a Medicaid Assisted Care Facility, and people’s lives are not always simple.

Red makes a difference, he just lights up the spaces he occupies, and is patient and living and valuable.

Your Valentine’s Day messages are the talk of the Mansion, everyone is so excited, and how great to let them know that they are loved and thought of you. Thank you.

Current list of Mansion residents. Ellen, is new, and there are Jean, Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Diane, Alice, Jean, Madeline, Joan, Allan, Carl (Bob) John K., Aileen, Christie, Helen, Connie, Alanna, Barbara, Peggie, Dennis, John R., Bruce, John Z., and a new Bill.

Thank you all for doing this, it really matters. You bring the light.