Red is very important to Connie, he seems to open something up in her, something that gives her strength. He helped get her up and walking when her back first gave out. She is important to him. Every time we came to the Mansion while she was away, he went right to her room, and if the door was open, he sat by her chair, as he often does.

They were just so happy to see each other. The residents were happy to see  her too, as was the staff. Of all the comings and goings at the Mansion, trips to hospitals and nursing  homes and rehab centers are the most fraught. People often don’t return from nursing homes, and the residents were concerned about Connie.

But she fought her way back and proved that courage and determination can upend the probabilities and defy the odds. The Mansion was a happy, even celebratory place this afternoon. Everyone took a deep breathe, the angels let us win this one.  She is almost a part of our family now, and we missed her. We are happy she is back. Thanks for all the great things you sent her, they mattered.