It was much more like an emotional family reunion than anything else. It had a kind of back-from-the-wars feeling, and that, I suppose, is somewhat true.

The Mansion was full of joy and relief as their very close family was reunited. Families began dropping off residents around 9:30 a.m. – Winnie and Peggie were the first – and just after 10 a.m., the vans pulled up with the residents staying at the Danforth Adult Care Center, there was laughter and tears and hugging.

As the residents were helped out of the vans, the Mansion staff ran up to them, yelling “welcome home” and smothering everyone in hugs and kisses. The relief on the residents faces was palpable, the staff was overjoyed to see them.

This is not a job for these people, I thought, this is  family.

I woke up thinking the reunion needed flowers – the place ought to be bright and full of color. There is no florist in my town, but I thought a supermarket in nearby Greenwich, N.Y., might have flowers, so I got up early and went there. They had a lot of beautiful flowers, I got a pot for each table, and a bouquet for the office staff.

I made it back in time to read some stories.

The residents were just beaming with relief to be “home,” it was a stunning contrast to the misery and anxiety their faces showed all during this past month. They wanted to be home, they needed to be home.

I got teary a few times myself watching all of this happiness and relief, the last month was so hard on everyone, there were not many smiles.

The building looks great – new roof, carpet, paint, lights, heating units, elevator, the residents were delighted to see their new, clean and freshly painted rooms. For all the trouble, the Mansion got a needed facelift out of it, one that will last a long time.

I read stories to the residents while we waited, and passed out some gifts sent me by the Army Of Good.

Sylvie got a bunch of stamps and envelopes, Matt got a new large print novel, Anne was thrilled to get a newly woven afghan  from an Army Of Good soldier  named Elizabeth Garvey (I’ll put up a photo), and I passed out several hats that were sent from all over, we are planning more “hat” parties.

This afternoon, I’m going to a local Chinese restaurant to order Chinese food (the residents request) for our Homecoming Celebration tomorrow. We’ll also have some music.

One of the staff members came to me and said they wondered if it might be possible for me to get a large screen TV for the Great Room, it is a beautiful and comfortable room, but it is sometimes underutilized. During this period, the left-behind residents watched TV in the room and came to love being in that room.

It is rare for the staff to ask me for something like that, they do it sparingly and I take it seriously.

The  existing TV is often off when there are activities in the Activity room, and it has a number of problems.

They thought it would be valuable for the residents at all times, but especially over the next few weeks as they adjust. We’ve purchased more than a dozen DVD’s, so there will be a lot of good stuff to watch.

I said sure, I went  online and ordered a highly-rated Samsung 50 inch screen for $427.99, it will be arriving in a few days. It is guaranteed for a year and Samsung offers customer service.

So thanks so much for your support, I’ll stay on it. If you wish to contribute to this work, you can donate via Paypal, [email protected] (please note Mansion Fund.) You can also send a check to Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

This was a very happy morning. Thanks for staying with me this month, your support really mattered.