The cold weather always gets me cranked up on behalf of the Mansion residents.

They all seem to need something when it gets cold – blankets, shoes, sweaters, scarves, caps, socks, underwear, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, and flannel pajamas.

I notice that some of the aides need the same things as the residents. This morning I went to Carroll’s Trading Post, a consignment shop in my town, and I bought some sweaters and a few stuffed animals.

I am learning that few things are more important to the Mansion residents – even the men – than stuffed animals.

They’ve been locked down in the Mansion since March, and the aides are worn out trying to take care of anybody and keep their spirits up.

The stuffed animals become objects of real emotion, they can’t replace human beings but they do replicate feelings of connection and nurturing.

They just adored the ones I brought this morning. But there weren’t enough for everybody so I called and went back to get more.

The aides kept sending me photos.

There aren’t many people looking to be aides in assisted care at the moment; everyone is doing double shift and double duty. They are exhausted.

When I learned how the residents flipped over the stuffed creatures I brought them this morning, I called Bev and asked her how much it would cost to take all of the stuffed animals in her new display (hers is a consignment store.

She said it would be $35, which was on top of the $100 in winter clothing I brought this morning. I think we get a lot of discounts from Bev and Kayla.

Winter is close. We are getting ready.

Beverly charged me 50 cents for most fuzzy creatures and $1 for the larger, newer ones. I also brought some funny and strange sherpa hats. The total bill was $39.

Bev is a joy to work with, she has a good handle on what older women like to wear, and the clothes I bring there are always a huge hit.

These stuffed animals should make it possible for every single resident who wants one – they especially like to sleep with them at night in their rooms, they miss people – to have one, or even two.

This makes the residents very happy, there are some things they need – sweaters and scarves – and some things they love. I try for a mix.

I’m happy to be bringing these two big bags of stuffed animals to the Mansion tomorrow morning. I love small acts of great kindness.

They brighten even the darkest of days.