At Mansion Meditation Class, I made a pitch for the residents in the class to consider starting daily writing journals to record the essential feelings and events in their lives.

I thought it would give them something healthy to recall when they thought about their lives.

Since meditation is now widespread in the class, I thought journaling – writing every day – might interest them and help them gain some perspective on their lives.

Only one class member said they were interested in journaling; the idea was a dud from the outset. No one else was interested.  I dropped it. Every head was shaking “no.”

The good news is that meditation has taken a firm hold on the class; everyone but one resident raised their hands and said they would meditate daily. Everyone loved the idea of deep breaths to soften fear and ground us. We practiced deep breathing for eight minutes.

I can’t complain. 50-50 is more than a little acceptable, and meditation seems to be helping my Mansion students, as it has helped me. They didn’t want to hear about it, talk about it, or do it. I’m glad they felt free, to be honest. I get the message.

(Lili, an aide and friend, and Zinnia love each other and always look for each other when we come to the Mansion.)

Life in elder care facilities is not simple or easy. There is a lot of stress. Meditation and deep breathing exercises really seem to help.

This morning, I was asked to get June some new clothes, which I did, and to get the activities staff erasers for the chalkboard, a Cricut painting kid, and two Cork Boards for the activities room wall.

I got the clothes within an hour; June was thrilled by the pants, and she loved the sweaters. “Now,” she said, “I can be warm.”

All three items cost $100 and are on the way.  The clothes for June cost $40. Paryese never asks for more than she needs and insists our support is keeping the Mansion art activities alive.

This week, Moise Millers’ son Dan came by to ask me if I could get more healthy dog food I’ve been dropping off for Tina, their sweet Amish dog,  for at least three years. I went to the vet’s and some some first grade Purina Chow, it cost $73 for a huge bag. I am committed to supplying Tina with healthy food at my own expense. She’s one of the greatest dogs I’ve known.

She is worth it, and it, says Moise, my food has kept her strong and healthy. The Amish don’t buy premium dog food, although they treat her well and lovingly.

I want her to have it. Seeing her zooming around their farm on three legs and guarding the children is inspiring.

 

I was informed that June needed some new stretch pants and sweaters. I went to a nearby consignment store and got four pairs of jeans with elastic waists and three lovely sweaters in her colors and sizes. She was delighted and grateful.

Allissa joined the activities staff at the Mansion for five days a week. She was excited and a natural aide – attentive, kind, and sincere. I was happy to meet her and am happy to be working with her.

The calls for warmer clothes are beginning to come from the newer Mansion residents. If you can and wish to, you can contribute to the annual Mansion Winter Clothes Fund. I’ll check with the aides and residents to find out what we need.

You can donate via Paypal, [email protected], Venmo, Jon Katz@Jon-Katz-13, or by check, Jon Katz, The Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

And thanks for your support. We’ve kept the residents warm for six or seven years, and I hope to keep the stream going.