I’ve learned to be careful asking too many questions of the Mansion residents as I compile these portraits, which hopefully will one day hang on the Mansion Walls or even on some gallery walls.

These are the beautiful faces the world sees all too rarely, if at all.

But some of the residents have memory issues, and it is painful to be asked something they think they ought to know – like their children’s names.

So I talk generally to them about things.

I don’t ask too many questions; I just let them talk. They get to say what’s important to them.

Peggy is the perfect candidate for life in assisted care in many ways.

She is generous, soft-spoken, uncomplaining, and eager to join in the flow of energy. She makes friends, the aides love working with her, and she believes in looking at the positive side of life.

I know she is in pain; she uses a walker to move around; I have never heard her complain. Like many of the Mansion residents, she came there after a fall that left her with a broken leg and a long recovery.

“I like living here,” she said. “Mostly, it’s because I feel safe. But I like the activities, I love to draw, and I especially like to read.”

(Above, Peggy drew this flowerpot while working with Maria in her art class.)

I asked Peggy, as I asked everyone if there was anything we could get for her that would make her life more exciting. As is usually the case, she seemed puzzled by the question; she is not used to asking for things.

But as I usually do, I squeezed out of her that she loves reading more than anything else, especially fiction by James Patterson and some other famous authors.

I took notes and have messaged Connie Brooks at Battenkill Books and asked her to recommend three or four new books I can bring her. Connie is like Sherlock Holmes when it comes to recommending books. She’s always on the button.

I’ll get them next week.

I also asked Tania Woodward if Peg might like a table reading lamp specially designed for the elderly. I heard from a resident that Peggy has trouble reading easily when it starts to get dark or when it’s nighttime.

We can fix that. Tania said it would be a wonderful surprise.

Peggy worked in a bank for many years, although she doesn’t quite recall the different jobs. She says she misses just “going out and driving around,” and she hopes she can do more of that now that the pandemic is easing and the Mansion is hiring staff.

Peggy is having a rough time watching the news about Ukraine. She says she can’t stop watching it.

“But it is just so awful to see; she says she’s always watched the news, it’s part of her routine,” and “I want to know what’s going on.” Like many Mansion residents, being aware of what’s going on outside is essential; they fear being cut off from the world.

A big-screen TV (we bought it) is on all day in the activity room, and the residents are surprisingly well informed. Many come in to watch the news, a primary connection to the outside world.

Peggy is well known to me, and also to Maria.

She attends every single activity the Mansion schedules. She throws herself into the work and cares about doing it right.

She has been at every one of my meditation and prayer sessions. She is sweet and cheerful. She and Claudia have become fast friends and part of a loving and healthy community.

Peggy says she’s made many friends at the Mansion; she can’t wait to sit out on the porch when it’s warm, and they gather and talk.

Peggy proves Grandma Mother’s famous adage that “life is what you make of it,” at any age.

She is 91, she has three daughters, but only one lives nearby. She visits her all the time. Her husband of more than 30 years died a long time ago. Peggy told me she worked in banking for a long time.

She got to the Mansion like so many other people do because she fell and broke something. The story is familiar to me. Someone breaks their leg, and they are rushed to the hospital, then a rehab or nursing home, and then to the Mansion or another elder care facility.

Some have family members to go and get their things, some – William for one – says he lost almost everything, including his high school diploma.

Many never get to see their homes again. Peggy has been at the Mansion for nearly a year, and the staff is especially fond of her. She is genial, soft-spoken, and so easy to work with.

I treasure having her in my classes, and she has done so.

Peggy is a pleasure all around; I love doing these portraits, the faces burst with character. Peggy is one of the faces of the Mansion it is well worthwhile getting to know.

I love doing these portraits. I’ll do one every Sunday. These faces should be seen.