If you aren’t into change or drama, the Mansion is not the place to work or volunteer. Every time I show up, there is change. Someone is gone, someone has moved, someone has died.

This week, I learned that Brittany, an aide on the day staff and the staffer I interact with the most, is leaving. In fact, today was her last day.

Brittany doesn’t give much away, she didn’t even tell me she was leaving, I heard about it from another staffer and was able to help buy some food for her going away party.

When I first came to the Mansion, I think the staff was generally uneasy about me, so was the management. I don’t think anybody knew how much to trust me or distrust me, that’s the nature of institutions, and somebody like me is not inconspicuous or always easy to absorb.

At some point the aides were warned not to speak to me or tell me much. That was several years ago, and now I cause about as much excitement as hotel lobby music.

Brittany was always cheerful and professional. She helped me to understand what it was the residents needed and advised me about sizes and habits and phobias, so I could get the right thing.

Brittany seemed aware of everyone at the Mansion, and of everything going on there. She was the most frequent recipient of the “pizza” money I dole out for the aides, so they can break up their hard days with food that they love.

I would ask  Brittany if this was a “pizza” day, and she was always smile and say “sure.” Brittany was unflappable, she had truly seen it all. Nothing seemed to rattle her. And that was a good thing as there is often a crisis at the Mansion. Brittany was a rock in a hard place.

She handled the residents easily and well. I never saw her lose control or lose her temper, and that is a great compliment in a difficult environment. She helped me to handle the constant loss and change. One day at a time.

Brittany has a dry sense of humor, we joke about the strange new skills I am picking up, like being a whiz at finding outsized bras and underwear on the Internet.

When Red comes into the Mansion, the first thing he does is rush into the office looking for Brittany. They always have  a cuddle.

Some people on the staff  still keep their distance from me, but I have been around long enough and done enough that I am proud to say most people there trust me. The Mansion aides are heroic in my eyes, they work so hard for so little money and are loving, attentive and patient.

I think they trust me, and I certainly trust them. I see my role as recognizing them and supporting them as much as I try to do for the residents. Now, most of them know to come to me if they or somebody else needs something they can’t otherwise get.

I depend on the Mansion aides a lot, they let me know when somebody needs shoes or socks or a nightgown or sweatshirt. I am very proud of the rooms that we air-conditioned, the warm and well made clothes we got for so many people, the books and games we sent, the boat rides and outings we sponsor.

I will miss Brittany, we had such an easy and fun relationship, we always made the other laugh. She doesn’t know what she’s going to be doing, maybe take some courses, plot her life. Godspeed Brittany, you did a lot of good for me, and for many others.

I missed her going a way party, but I suggested an appropriate hug and she obliged. It is a very nice connection.

I am happy to see you go ponder your life, Brittany, you are great, Red and I will certainly miss you.