I showed up a few minutes early for our weekly Mansion Bingo Game (Maria and I are the callers, sometimes I sing the numbers). One of the Mansion aides, came over to me and told me there was a new resident at the Mansion, she just came earlier this week.

I knew there was a problem by the look on her face.

The aide, who I work with often,  was helping her get into bed and she noticed that she had only pair of socks, and they were not heavy enough for winter.  She needed help in getting the socks.

I appreciate the aides trusting me with this information.

It has made it so much more possible for me to help the residents quickly and efficiently.

We both decided the new resident needed knee length winter socks, medium size, preferably wool. I found them on Amazon quickly, they will be  her Monday. I got six pairs of “winter warm” kneed socks, three sets for $47.

I gave Matt two large print medical mysteries, the genre he likes. I gave Winnie one of my books – she is a fan – Dancing Dog, my collection of short stories. She asked for it.

I am a whiz now at navigating Thrift Stores and online retailers to find high quality clothes for the residents.

Another resident came up to me and asked if I find her a velcro wallet. I did, for $14.99.

My months- long effort to help Jackie be able to read comfortably may be nearing a successful conclusion. She needed very large print books to read, and even most large print books were not big enough for her to see.

I suggested a magnifying glass, but she said she wasn’t able to hold the glass in her hands. She and I went online and looked through several websites until we found a magnifying glass with a stand, I ordered it this evening. This will be a huge benefit for Jackie, who loves to read but can’t most of the time.

We found the perfect magnifying glass for the visually impaired, the lens is atop a stand with a moveable gooseneck arm. Jackie thought it would be perfect for her. She was wide-eyed at the thought she might get it and be able to read. She is quite bright and a sweet spirit.

The magnifying glass and stand cost $89.

Jackie never asks for help, it took a couple of months for us to get here, and I was very pleased and lucky to be able to help do this, and thanks again to the Army Of Good.

I was greeted by a stern Sylvia who reminded me that I had forgotten to bring her stamps. Sylvie always needs stamps (11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. I’m bringing her some Saturday afternoon.

Several residents took me aside to tell me of their medical issues – a hip replacement, a hand infection, arthritis pain, knee surgery.

In a sense, to work at the Mansion is to witness continuous decline and struggle. This is hard on the young aides, who attach to the residents very powerfully at times.

No one there is getting younger, everyone gets sicker over time. They go to nursing homes to be sick or die.

Small acts of great kindness help them manage their lives. People can have some very good years at the Mansion, they feel safe and cared for there.

I am learning how to help, with much help from the staff and the Army Of Good.

Real action in real life. Every day.

I got the list of Mansion aides so I can prepare the cards for their gift boxes, which they are getting next week.

Wayne was the Bingo Master of Friday night, he won three games.

If you wish to contribute to the Mansion work, please consider a donation in any amount, via Paypal, [email protected], or my P.O. Box, Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205,  Cambridge N.Y., 12816. Please mark the contribution “The Mansion.”

You can also send a contribution at any time by going to the Support The Army Of Good button at the bottom of every post. That money goes directly to the Mansion/refugee fund.