We set up the Karaoke machine at the Mansion today, most of the residents still in residence over the holidays gathered around in the Great Room, three very loving aides joined in – Bonnie, Sarah and Dorlisa (or very own Aretha).

I call this group “the choir,” they love to sing. Madeline is an old trouper, she knows the lyrics to just about every song there is, even though her more  temporal memory struggles sometimes.

Maria helped set up the machine, and our friend Susan Popper came by to help. I’m learning that the residents need someone to sing with them to get them started.

There were plenty of volunteers. Sarah and Dorlisa say they’ll be back  with us on Christmas morning. I feel a choir forming.

Alice claps her hands, Jean taps her  feet, Peggie belts it out. Most of the others sit back and watch, singing softly or clapping. I love our Karaoke sessions, and so do the residents.

It lifts my hear to hear them sing. We are coming back Christmas morning to sing carols with the residents who have no place to go. The Christmas spirit lives in the Mansion, it is deep and beautiful there.