Mansion Director Julie Harlin stopped by the farm to bring me a card and a declaration from the Mansion. I was shocked, and speechless for once. For the first time in my life, there will be a Jon Katz Day on the first Friday in June.
This day should and will be shared with the Army Of Good, which made this day possible.
I’m not sure why they chose June, but I’ll take it happily.
“In recognition and appreciation of Jon Katz and Maria Wulf for their generous gift of time and devotion to the residents and staff of the Mansion. Using your talents and commitment to bring about great things and lighten many burdens by connecting us to a family of the heart. We celebrate the spirit of caring and the many generous hands working towards good.”
What a lovely thing to receive, my own Jon Katz Day, I hope you all will share it with me.
___
Not one to stand on any laurels, at the moment I’m purchasing toys and gifts for the children and grandchildren of eight Mansion aides. We are supporting Melissa, an aide who continues to undergo tests to locate the source of much pain in her body; a second aide who cares for a seven-year-old child that is not her own and who is food insecure, and a third whose husband is seriously ill and without adequate health insurance or support.
Apart from the toys, I’m mostly gathering and presenting gift cards so these proud and dedicated people can eat healthy foods and keep their dignity and pride.
I’m using Wal-Mart gift cards, the aides can decide what food and personal items they need to buy. If you wish to contribute, you can buy gift cards in any amount here. Please send them to me, Jon Katz, 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
If you prefer, you can send a donation to me, for gift cards or other Mansion support issues: Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
You can also send a donation to the Mansion/Refugee Fund to me at any time via Paypal, [email protected].
I’m not great at showing emotion but I am very deeply moved by this gesture, it means the world to me, and I thank all of you in the AOG for making it possible.
The Mansion is such a special place, full of love and caring, life and death, joy, friendship, and suffering. I miss being there greatly and look to the days when Maria and I can return. We miss them every day.