My darling Mum, By the time you read this, I will have talked to you on the phone, to explain why I cannot come to Europe. I know hearing is difficult, so this letter, an ‘email’ via the Rolets, is to make sure you fully understand. I am so, so sorry that I cannot be with you and Heini for the birthday. (It also means we cannot be in London afterwards, to celebrate To’s 70th birthday with the family there). The important thing now is for you and Heini to be together in Munich for the celebrations, with Rose no doubt being a good hostess, and with one of your grandsons to help you with the flights. I’m sure I will be able to come over with To, to spend a week or more with you in Golfe some time later in the year. It is NOT a medical crisis or a big downturn in my condition. But it is a serious caution against overtiredness, and long journeys, particularly flights. I saw my cancer specialist, Doctor Neethling, the day after we returned from the Kruger Park, and he said the blood
Left wing commentary from the heart and the head