25th May, 1994

Dearest Rita,

Thank you for your letters of 8th and 10th May.

I have not answered before because I hardly had a moment to myself since my hasty return from Israel towards the end of April (after three days, in heat of 42).

Jonathan’s wife Jaki had a brain haemorrhage and was operated on a week ago. She was taken into hospital after an initial false diagnosis and was under observation for 4 weeks before she decided to go ahead with surgery. There was a danger that the operation would damage her eye-sight but, finally, she really had no choice but go ahead as a second haemorrhage could have been fatal.

The operation lasted five and a half hours and was carried out by two top surgeons. Thank heavens, they succeeded and Jaki’s eyes are OK and she is making a good if slow recovery.

You can imagine our anxiety. They had just sold their flat and were arranging to have work done at the house they had bought and were getting ready to move into. Well, to cut a long story short, Jonathan and little Joseph are staying with me and I am glad I am able to give support and provide a home for the time being. Jaki will need much rest when she comes out of hospital in about a week’s time.

As for me, I was utterly exhausted but have now been able to have some rest and feel better for it.

A few days in Kandersteg sound ideal and unless there are unexpected problems, I should love to join you for some of the time. Naturally, I would share expenses. Maybe, I can also spend time with you in Avignon. Please tell me if you need to know now.

I am not surprised you found the Duino Elegies difficult. I tackled them without realising how many learned Profs and linguists have written on the subject and have given their translations. Had I not been so ‘innocent’ I would not have dared but you see, even a blind chicken can find a corn.

I do so hope we shall meet soon.

My love to you and Lex,

Lore.