15 May

Connie’s Is Back At Work, See What You Did

by Jon Katz
Connie’s Back At Work, Thanks To You

Thanks to the new air conditioner many of you helped to purchase, Connie was able to return to work yesterday and made a cap for hospital patients in dialysis treatment. She said the first night the Honeywell was on, she nearly froze to death, but then figured out how to lower the controls, and since them, she has been comfortable and able to work.

The Mansion is not air conditioned, and as the temperature rose, Connie, who has breathing and heart problems, had to stop her knitting. She looked pale and was exhausted, she had to struggle for the right amount of oxygen to breathe comfortably. The air conditioner was installed on Friday, and she is surrounded again by baskets of yarn.

She has a lot of plans. It was wonderful to see Connie so energetic, she told Red not to listen to me, but to rest, and she told Maria to keep me in line, which is not really a problem for her. Connie and I love to joke with each other, she has a quick smile and a rich sense of humor.

She wasted no time returning to her knitting, which she loves. We talked about Mother’s Day at the Mansion, and there was a celebration there. I didn’t think to help that celebration, I wasn’t sure if would have been welcome, but it would have been, I think.

There are so many mothers there.

It was so great to see her knitting again, she was struggling to till those warm days, and tomorrow and the next few days will be in the 80’s, she will need every bit of that Honeywell portable conditioner, which also works as a humidifier. Connie’s room is on the warm side of the Mansion, the sun is on it almost all day.

I am giving Red much rest, I know he will do whatever is asked of him, but I have been persuaded not to rush things, it will take weeks, even a month or so, for him to return to normal and with his full energy. I have been appointed Protector Of Red’s Energy, and he is still weak and tired.

But I needed to let the people at the Mansion see him, however briefly, they were very concerned about him.

Red was so happy to see Connie, he rushed down the hallway to her room and ran right up to her, she scolded him to rest and take it easy, we only stayed for a couple of minutes, and then we left. I kept him out of the activity room today, I need to be strong about resting him.

I am so proud to be a part of Connie’s saved summer. In so many ways, it was such a small thing to do, in so many ways, it was a big thing to do. I am happy to be associated with people who would care enough about this worthy woman to want to help her in this way. I appreciate your faith in what I write.

Thanks, this was the best money ever spent. I am pleased to be able to show you what you have done in photos.

I wanted to cry seeing her sitting there with her knitting needles, firing away. And thanks again for the wonderful yarn you have sent her, and the beautiful cards and letters that continue to come to her. You can write Connie c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

You can write the other residents who wish to receive your letters at the same address. Their first names are Bruce, Allan, Sylvie, Jean, John Z, Tim, Ben, John R., Alanna, Peggie, Ellen, Joan, Brenda, Connie, Alice, Madeline, Mary, Barbara, William, Brother Peter, Diane, Helen, Jane, Dottie, Anita, Richard, Gerry Charlotte, Arthur, and George.

(Peggie is a whiz at jigsaw puzzles, Jane is working hard to study and learn art.)

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