Six or seven residents remained behind in the Mansion over the past month, their rooms were in a separate wing of the facility undamaged by the flooding and other damage. They needed attention as much as the displaced residents did, they were sometimes lonely, disoriented and bored. They loved the stories I read them and our suddenly intimate Friday night bingo games, rarely more than two or three people.

They were nice games, everybody got to win, usually more than once, we brought in special prizes for the residents and we ended up joking, singing and rhyming together. They even let me read my acting class monologue to them.

Tonight was our last Little Bingo game, we should have a full house next Friday. They are all excited about the other residents returning, there is a family feeling about the Mansion, with the usual squabbles, misunderstandings and good times.

I have to say that Maria and  I enjoyed this Little Bingo games, there was something especially warm and satisfying about them. I will miss them.