The Mansion picnic was the first staff/resident/family gathering since before the pandemic.

There was a great turnout, country music,  a tent for shade and eating, bubble blowing, balloon popping, hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, and 100 cupcakes for dessert. The above photo is of Claudia, one of the Mansion’s most cheerful and optimistic residents.

(We hung out for a while at the Memory Care table. The residents there never seem to forget Zinnia, even when they can’t remember her name. She has good friends there already. They are also getting to recognize me, which is gratifying.)

The Mansion is roaring to life after nearly three years of quarantines, lockdowns, and restrictions.

There was something special about the energy from the staff, the residents, and the families. Many people thanked the Army Of Good and me for our work there. That was nice.

 

Mansion Director Kassi Gormley, recovering from three grinding and tense years, introduced her new daughter Aubrey to the residents and Zinnia. They hit it off.

Kassi seemed lighter also, energized and eager to get back to normal.

 

(Dorlisa, one of my favorite aides, and Bonnie carry what’s left of the 100 cupcakes they made yesterday for the picnic.)

Zinnia and I toured the tables. It was hot, and Zinnia didn’t love the heat. When she found friends she knew, she just plopped down in front of them. And she has a lot of friends at the Mansion.

Several male residents came up to me and said they were very interested in the men’s group we were forming at the Mansion. They all wanted to attend the first meeting and see what it was all about.

I’m getting excited about the chance to lead the first Mansion Men’s Group. Also worried I might blow it.

(Zinnia and Peggie have been pals for a couple of years now. In the heat, Zinnia comes up to her friends and sits in the shade.)

This would be the fourth men’s group I’ve started in my life and perhaps the most complex.

There are eight or nine men at the Mansion, and they have been asking for activities that are focused on males. At our meeting, we’ll try and figure out just what those activities might be and make them happen.

I also hope to initiate discussions about aging, sex, friendship, and activities and excursions they might like.

 

(Russell is eager to join the new Mansion Men’s Group – we need a new name- we had a good long talk about it.)

 

 

(Bonnie, the new Mansion Activities Director, walked around showering everyone with bubbles. They loved it. So did she.)

 

Paryese and Bonnie did a great job setting up this picnic. It was a significant morale boost – to the staff, to the residents, and especially to their families.

I’m excited about what is happening there.

Seeing the Mansion return to life is beautiful, and the staff did a heroic job of keeping people safe there. It cost them dearly, but they were heroes in every sense.

I’m getting to know the staff again, and especially, some of the residents. That’s when we can really help – small acts of great kindness. Thanks for your support.