We had a riotous and happy baby goat tour at the Mansion the other day, Katie Perez, the Mansion director brought Screaming Mimi into see Bill, a new resident. Katie did a bit of hugging herself.
The goat left a trail of smiles and laughter wherever she went, animals seem to bring smiles and positive memories to the people who see them, as often happens with Red, we left a trail of smiles behind us.
Baby animals are different from therapy dogs, they bring warmth and nurturing and connection to the residents there, that is what they need more than anything, I think.
It is an interesting week at the Mansion. Herman (above) and the other residents got to meet Screaming Mimi, a week old baby goat brought there by Treasure Wilkinson. Instant love on both sides. The Mansion also got the $10,000 it needed to buy a new van, which will be there shortly. We raised the money in little over a week, how great.
Tomorrow, Maria is giving a talk to the Mansion residents about her trip to India, which many of the residents followed closely. She’s going to show some of her photos on her computer. It will be a hoot.
I wanted to update you on a couple of things involving the Mansion.
1.A number of new residents are coming to the Mansion in the next week or so, I will update the list.
2. Connie has already made a dozen baby caps for the Albany Medical Center Birthing Unit, along with a sweater and she is starting on a blanket. She has enough yarn for now, many patterns and some beautiful knitting needles, thanks. She is on fire.
3. You can write to the Mansion residents – all mail and photos are shared with everyone, names or not – c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N .Y.,12816. I think the next opportunity to help them would be with Easter, coming up soon. The gift bags, cards and letters and small trinkets were sensational on Valentine’s Day.
4. I mentioned the wall project last week, getting some art into rooms where there is nothing on the walls. The staff has approved the project, but many of the residents have things on their walls that they brought in or that their families have hung up.
I think about a dozen have bare walls. Some local artists have volunteered to donate some paintings and art work. Let’s see where that goes. If anyone ends up needing or wanting more, or has specific needs and interests, I will post about it. I think Herman would love a photo of a goat or a cat on his wall, please don’t spend a lot of money on these projects and contact me first – [email protected] – before sending anything, to make sure we coordinate it properly.
Barb also has a blank wall which she showed me, but I believe we have found a painting for her.
I don’t wish to make this support of the Mansion too much about money, and I don’t want to take too much of your money. The most meaningful gifts are the letters, photos and cards. And you have all been remarkably generous. It will be fun to brighten up some rooms.
For me, and for others, the Mansion has become a powerful metaphor for empathy and compassion, for revealing the noble spirits of human beings in a difficult and troubling time. We can listen to the good angels or the bad ones, and you are a chorus of angels to me.
Thank you for all of your comments about Herman, I’m sure he would love to hear from you: 11 S. Mansion Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. He is struggling to get back into shape after a long rehabilitation from falls and other injuries.
