I was delighted to go to the Mansion today and find Georgianna sitting on her favorite sofa in the Great Room. She was tired but very happy to be back home.

She told me a bit about what the doctors found, and she told me her smoking days were over, at least for a “good while.” That was good to hear, although the sign of those amazing women sitting out in their chairs smoking and talking and laughing was always a joy to see.

Georgia and Bert (Roberta) and Nancy have brightened up the Mansion, adding humor and energy. Georgianna hugged and kissed me, she even kissed my hand, which is perhaps the first time that has ever happened.

She said she was treated well and the staff and other patients loved the Halloween socks I got her before she got sick.

They all wanted to know where to get them. My secret, I said.

I was so happy to see her looking like herself, although I could see the weariness and fatigue all over her face. We have a special relationship.

As I’ve written, I always hold my breath when someone I know well leaves the Mansion for any reason. Sometimes, they just don’t come back. Georgianna did – Nancy was very happy to see her – and there is no news of Bert yet. She is expected to return, but there is no more information than that.

If you wish, you can write to Georgianna c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, you can welcome her home. She says the Mansion is her home now, and she never wants to leave.

The good guys win sometimes in this roller coaster of a place.

The Secret Garden Club endures. I have some heavy winter sox to bring her, and I don’t have to think about cigarettes any longer.

Please support my work at the Mansion if you can. You can contribute via Paypal, [email protected] or by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.