They say dogs lift people up in nursing and assisted care facilities, but I can tell you, so do letters. I think the most debilitating thing in the Mansion is when people think they and their lives have been forgotten. Your messages tell them eloquently that they are not forgotten.
We came to see Connie today, she looked, she is moving, walking, improving daily. She is even thinking about knitting again. We double-dogged her, two therapy dogs.
When we come to see Connie, she takes out her big stack of letters and reads some of them to us, she is proud of them, and excited by them. She still can hardly believe them.
She says they have made an enormous difference to her, whenever she got low or discouraged, she would read from the pile. “They have really helped me,” she said. I think the letters remind her and others that someone is out there who cares and is rooting for her.
Maria and I both saw how they lifted her up, and she didn’t mind holding Gus in one hand and petting Red in the other, these two are a powerful team.
Some excerpts from her letters, one day’s worth:
From Tonda Cooper in Adairsville, Ga:
“I live in a beautiful hilly area between Chattanooga, TN., and Atlanta, Ga…”I am disabled, the body is such an amazing creation! We were made to heal back as far as possible. My own journey has been long, but my last six years I’ve gotten so much stronger. Strong enough to go to Prague to see my family twice! My son set up a wheelchair in each airport. But this Fall I was able to visit them in Munich and walk in the airport!…So proud of you, Connie. Love, Tonda.”
From Valierie Oertili, Lincoln Nebraska:
“I’m glad you are getting better, Connie. I enjoyed seeing a photo of you with Gus. Gus is a much better puppy than Bing was, I took Bing to a dog trainer for three months when he was about three months old and he barked non stop at the trainer the whole time. Most of the time now he has been a good dog. Hope your back will heal quickly, Valerie.”
From Paula Foreman, St. Paul, Minnesota:
“Dear Connie, after seeing a photo of you up walking, I had to send a letter to say “Go, Connie!” From the number of letters you are getting, there are many of us who are cheering for you to keep walking your way to health…I think if every one of us could have such a warm, loving and supportive group of people behind us, we cold do anything. I hope you feel surrounded and lifted by love. Warmly, Paula..”
From Steph, Fargo, North Dakota:
“I just read Jon’s blog about Red, about he, Maria and Red walking with you. The picture of you brought me happiness today, so I wanted to say thank you! Thank you for the joy of seeing you walk and for all the knitting you donate. You are appreciated! Remember, you don’t have to run or sprint, just walk and take it one step at a time..Steph.”
From Donna Callies, Tuscon, Arizona:
“Connie, I cheer you on every time I see your photo on Jon’s blog. My Mom was a big encourager and always used to tell me that “the greatest healing remedy is love and friendship.” I do believe that’s true and I know that many, many people all over this country are wishing you a return to good health and continued happiness. Have a lovely 4th and God bless and keep you, Connie, Donna.”
From Gene Gilbert, Los Angeles, Calif:
“Keep up the good work! So many people are so proud of you and your good works, I enjoy your knitting skill which brings much joy. Your friend (illegible.)”
From Cathy Stewart, New York, New York:
“Sending you a sparkling (drawing of a sparkler) wish for an enjoyable Independence Day…Hope you walking and health keep improving…Cathy.”
From Cheryl, St. Louis, Mo:
“Connie, you are an amazing woman! I saw the photo of your walking with Red and Maria – that made me happy. You are a woman of strength and determination, sending you love, Cheryl.”
From Antoinette, San Diego, Calif:
“Seaport Village is where I worked for eight-and-a-half years, sadly, they are taking it down soon. More hotels and parking going up. Lots of people come for the Fourth of July fireworks. It really is amazing, music, food and fun. Now the 4th of July is low key…Thinking of you, Have a happy fourth, Antoinette.”
There are many, many more. Some are post cards, some hand-written letters, some carefully typed, many with photos of dogs and cats and landscapes, a potpourri of the heart of Americana. I tell the refugee children all the time that we are a good and generous people who care about others. Some people think this refers to the past, but Connie’s letters are powerful testimony that it is very much present. Thanks so much, you can write to Connie c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
The letters have lifted her up on a cloud of love and community. Blessings to you.