Great news.
The Mansion called yesterday to say it was now okay for me and Zinnia to return to the Mansion after a year’s absence due to Covid-19.
This is joyous news for me; I’ve missed the place every day. We did everything we could do all through 2020 to help: we bought disinfectant sprayers, masks, special lunches, clothes, scrubs, games, puzzles, arts and craft supplies, toys for the Mansion aides, combs, deodorant, blankets, socks, and shoes.
We sponsored several wish lists, and Zinnia was able to visit the residents when I could not.
But it wasn’t the same as being there, talking to the residents, figuring out what they need. It was a horrific year for the Mansion, the residents, the owners, the aides. I hope we helped. I’m told we did.
Next Tuesday, she and I return to the Mansion. (Today, Tia, an aide, asked if I could get one of the male residents a size 38 belt. On the way.) Zinnia, too.
On Tuesday, I will resume my weekly story reading to the Mansion residents, and next Thursday, my weekly meditation class and session resumes.
The readings and meditation sessions are two of my favorite things to do there.
It’s a little different now. Gatherings are limited to 10 residents; I will need to wear a mask, spray my shoes with disinfectant when I arrive, and get a rapid COVID-19 test each time I come.
Heads Up: Tania Rockwood, one of the Mansion aides, has launched an instantly popular new project: “makeover days” with the residents. Julie, in the photo above, was one of the first.
“We do this by styling hair, makeup, and nails,” she wrote. She asked if there was any way we could help with hair, makeup, and nail items so the makeover days can continue.
“And let me tell you,” she said, “the smiles are on their faces!”
I said we would be thrilled to help; I suggested she put up an Amazon Wish List with the items she needs for the “make-over days.”
It’s a perfect Amazon Wish List for the Army Of Good.
The list will be up sometime over the next week, and I’ll link it to on the blog. It is very great to be heading back to the Mansion. Zinnia loves it there.
It felt like there was a hole in my heart this year, I’m eager to get back. I ordered a dozen meditation necklaces on Amazon this morning.
Stay tuned.