John Haynes later recalled:
I felt I had finally met my real father, as if I had been separated from him for some time and I was allowed to be reunited with him. I felt as if I had always known him. Baba gave me a tremendous hug and at that moment I felt like an infant. I felt the love that I had perhaps always wanted to feel from a father.
John's brother Charles, age nine, was brought the following afternoon. Charles recalled his initial reaction to Baba:
This is someone whose presence I never want to leave! When I met him, I didn't know who I was going to meet before I went in — my mother was very Presbyterian. But when I saw Baba, there was a familiarity. You might say he was an old friend. I have considered him my Master and father ever since.
The boy was so enamored of Baba that he never even noticed that Baba was silent!
There was rain during the late afternoon and throughout the evening and heavy rain at night. On 21 May, Baba devoted the whole day to interviews with groups and individuals in the Lagoon Cabin from 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Dr. James Allen Chamberlain of Houston said that attending the sahavas was the greatest experience of his life. He promised to obey Baba and asked for something personal of Baba's. Baba gave him a lock of his hair. Chamberlain asked, "Can hypnotism help in curing mental illness?"
Baba replied, "Its use is helpful only if it is practiced in the right way. If not, it is harmful."
Baba arrived at the Lagoon Cabin after nine o'clock on the morning of Thursday, 22 May 1958. It was apparent to those present that he was suffering more than usual. ("Baba really seems exhausted," Max Haefliger wrote to Mani.) Despite this, Baba graciously greeted the "sewing group" from New York, a few women who had made new clothes for him — three sadras, a pink jacket, a white jacket, and a supply of handkerchiefs. They had forgotten Baba's orders prior to his visit about "no gifts," but Baba accepted their offerings nonetheless.
Soon thereafter, everyone gathered in the Barn. Although it was still raining outside, it was quite warm in the Barn. Baba said:
Last night was my worst night. I was crushed with the work. I had fever and the pain had increased. Kitty and the mandali had told me to rest the whole day [today], but I would not listen; nor would I send for Harry Kenmore. I said, "I must go. The time is fast approaching. We sleep in the Barn." I still have fever this morning, but the night has passed, and here I am in the Barn with you.