The sneakers I ordered for the man with no clothes or shoes arrived today. I’ll bring them to the Mansion Sunday or Monday.

It happens from time to time that someone will be admitted to the Mansion on an emergency basis.

Sometimes they come from Adult Protective Services, sometimes from children or relatives who believe their parent or parents or relatives can no longer care for themselves, sometimes from social workers who enter a home and find unsafe, unhealthy, or unacceptable conditions.

Sometimes neighbors worry about their friends and call the police.

I’m not sure why they come with no clothes; I suspect it’s because they were rushed to the Mansion, and no one wanted to go back and go through the sad conditions of their homes, especially those elderly living alone.

America is not generous or compassionate to the poor elderly; their living conditions often deteriorate to a sad and shocking degree. There is a harsh and selfish strain in this country; many thanks to the Army Of Good for making so much good possible.

If these people live alone, sometimes they hide from others when they need the most help. Sometimes they are terrified of leaving their homes.

The Mansion is a Medicaid facility; the reimbursements they receive for care are not always adequate to take care of everyone’s personal needs, especially if their families are not available.

They do everything they can.

One such resident arrived sometime in the last month or so. He had no clothes other than the ones he was wearing. His shoes were not adequate, and he had no shirts or pants, no razor or blades, no soap or deodorant.

I didn’t get to meet him until Covid-19 restrictions were eased. And I could visit. Several of the aides told me he could use some help.

He is in rough shape but genial and kind.  The people with no clothes break my heart, but I always give them the highest priority for the Army Of Good.

He needed shoes, so I got him a new pair of sneakers. I got the best ones I could find.

Thanks so much for your contributions that came in overnight to help restore the Mansion Fund, sorely depleted by the lifting of quarantines and my ability to meet and talk with the new residents as well as the old ones.

I got more than $1,000 as of Friday night, and more money is coming in.

I will use the money to buy some Wal-Mart gift cards and hang on to the rest for as long as possible.  As soon as the residents are permitted, I’d like to organize some boat rides and picnics.

They really need to get out.

I can’t thank you enough for once again rushing to the rescue. I am so deeply touched by your trust, which I would never violate.

This was the most intense week I think I can recall at the Mansion; there was so much need and damage done during the pandemic, I’m just about caught up.

The Mansion Fund (kept in a separate bank account)  is now up to $1,200. My gift card purchase this morning will bring it down to 7 or 8 hundred dollars. Hopefully, we can hold things right there for a while.  And be prepared for an emergency.

The money will be put to excellent use.

I sense things are settling down.

Any extra money will go straight to the fund. Thank you, thank you, thank you.