For Pat

My dear friend Pat is in hospital. Pat has been a close friend of the family since I was born. My mother and Pat were pals when they were girls.

Cognizant that Pat has always held a passion and adoration for flowers; and that they are banned from many hospitals, I have selected a floral card, viz. a picture of Nymans Garden in West Sussex.

I visited Nymans last autumn with my cousins.

I'm also bringing a little "Juicy Fruit" box containing pieces of apple, pineapple and strawberry. It even has a little plastic fork. Pat has lost her appetite.

Get well and get home soon, Pat. You have many friends who are thinking of you.