Maria and Connie have become friends, and Connie said she hoped Maria could come by before she left for India, she wanted to wish her a safe journey and good trip. Connie asked if she could give Maria and a hug, and this scene did touch my heart in a particular way, I don’t know how else to say it.

Connie has greatly opened up to Maria and as a result of your gifts and messages. She is smiling all the time, her door is always open, the lights are always on, she is always busy and  connected. So much of what has been taken from her has been given back.

No one can reverse the aging experience, or give back all of the things left behind, but attention and love and thought makes a staggering difference. You are helping to give these good people a way to live their lives with meaning and hope. Thanks.

Connie is looking for baby wool so she can make baby hats for newborns at the Albany Medical Center. This is a wonderful and ambitious project for her, if you have any baby wool you can sent it to her c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union St., Cambridge, N.Y.., 12816.

If you wish to send letters to the Mansion residents, here are their first names: Ellen, Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Diane, Alice, Jean G., Madeline, Joan, Allan, Carl (Bob), John K., Aileen, Christie, Helen, Connie, Alanna, Barbara, Peggie, Dennis, John R., Bruce, John Z., Bill.

I loved seeing this hug, and was grateful to be able to hug both of these beautiful women myself.