I’ve unilaterally declare November to be Mansion Aides Month, I’d like to recognize the incredible work these remarkable people – almost all women – do to care for needy people at the edge of life.
The Mansion residents tell me all the time how comfortable and safe they feel at the Mansion, how well cared for and comfortable they are, they say it feels as close to being home as is possible under very different circumstances.
One of those people is Dorlisa, currently the transportation aide, she drives the residents to their doctors appointments, and sometimes out for shopping.
This morning I brought the 123 $50 Amazon Gift Card boxes to the Mansion and left them with Kasse,the Acting Mansion Director. She will pass them out over the holidays.
In a couple of days, the “Better Angels” pens I ordered are arriving, and I’ll pass them out myself.
(On November 28, the Mansion will be the site of our official kick-off of the new Karaoke Machine, almost ready to go. This morning I called B&H Photo and got a Samsung 32 inch screen/TV so that the residents will be able to see the lyrics clearly.)
We’ll do a dry run this week.
And over the next few weeks, I’ll be distributing more than $300 in cash so the residents can buy their own gifts for the Mansion aides and for their friends and families.
The residents speak of the great loss of dignity that comes with not being able to give presents to the people on loves. We are helping to overcome that and restore of their dignity.
It’s going to be a good month at the Mansion and a good Christmas as well. I hope to photograph as many of the Mansion aides as I can over the next few weeks.
Dorlisa is easy to love, and everyone loves her. Not only does she do a wonderful version of Amazing Grace, but she always has a smile and hug for everyone she sees.
She is a light unto the world, she brightens the days of the residents and anyone else who crosses her path. She is a light unto the world. I am happy to recognize her extraordinary community and loving spirit. She is a Better Angel.