Melissa and I have very different jobs at the Mansion. She is an aide, and I am a volunteer. But there is a point where our roles converge, and that is when it comes to cheering up people who are lonely, needy, discouraged, sick, or frightened.

As I walked through the Mansion today with Zinnia, I kept running into Sylvia, sitting on the edge of a bed, washing a resident’s hair, offering to do a puzzle with a homesick woman, bringing a sports section to a lonely man.

Melissa seems to be everywhere. She says she founds out what makes people happy, and when they are sad, she brings it to them or does it with them. This is, in a sense, what I do with the dogs, and with a conversation.  Sometimes I do it by bringing people something they need and can’t afford.

She and Claudia were exchanging hugs, and I could see by the look on Claudia’s face how much this meant to her.

Sometimes I just read a story.

I ordered a pair of jeans today, and some Leggos for a grandchild, and a sweater for a new resident. I got some colored socks for someone who needs to brighten up a bit.

The dogs make people happy. Being spoken to makes people happy. Showing up makes people happy.

Melissa makes people happy. She is what love is about. It was good to be back at the Mansion today; I got four hugs before I even got my jacket off.