We named two Mansion Bingo Players Of The Week tonight, Matt, who won six games, and Joan, who won one game, her first in several months. Joan has memory and sight issues, so either Maria or I have to sit with her during the games to spot her numbers when they are called.

Joan is a sweet and loving person, she loves to be a part of things, and has as much fun as anyone in her own way. When she won, Maria called “bingo” out loud and every one in the room gave her a round of applause.

Joan was thrilled, even though she asked a minute later what had just happened, why was everyone clapping? She won a stuffed horse and loved it. Joan takes every gift or present and packs them away in her suitcases, they are never seen again.

She believes her son or her husband are coming in the morning to gather her things and bring her home. She has no son and her husband died some time ago.

The staff at the Mansion – or me if I’m around – will distract her by singing a song or taking her for a short walk, and then she forgets about home for the day.

There is nothing on the walls or tables of her room, everything is packed and ready to go. I think that’s where the horse was going. I love Joan, she is a  wonderful spirit  at the Mansion with a great heart, and she always gives me the greatest kiss on the cheek when I show up.

She has the most radiant smile.

She and I have weekly reading lessons, and we both laugh and joke through most of them. It was great to see Joan win at Bingo, even if she isn’t quite sure what Bingo is.

You can support my reading program with Joan by contributing to the Mansion work. You can send a contribution to The Gus Fund, c/o Jon Katz, Post Office Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected].