December 16, 1979 Dearest Wee All of a Sudden, we have been told that we can write a letter. Whether this is just part of the considerably improved conditions that recently have been extended to us ( ie. "what kind of books do you want ?."), or whether this is a "last letter" is not entirely clear. If it is the Iatter, I face it with unexpected serenity. I love you, and always have, very much, I am tremendously proud of the boys, and send love to each of them To Mum and Pop, Mais, Sandy & Vi and all to rest, my love as well. And I have no bitterness about anything, or anyone. But it in is only the former, then the experience I am going through well serve us both well. Dr. Johnson wrote that the "the prospect of hanging concentrates the mind wonderfully," in short, you tend to pull everything together, and try to figure our what is of is not important How much one lets little things get in the way, particularly the hazards of a career, social standards - the whole bit So much seems to depend on how other rate you, and there is never enough time to appraise and reappraise oneself. Curiously, looking back, the things I'm proudest of are what I have done with people. They mean more than I even suspected. Public service has been my life, and I have rendered some good service, not always fully recognized, to be sure, but that does not detract from it. I am capable of a lot more. And you and I, in this neurotic world where fewer and fever marriages seem to survive, have managed to pull something together that is rare and unique, at least to us. It hasn't been easy, nor will it ever. We should be very proud. The boys will certainly do well. Mark has come our of his time of troubles with style, and stranger than he otherwise would have been. As soon as he finds the right synthesis, there will be no stopping him. Phil will get a Iot out of life. Andrew has tremendous abilities. And I an delighted that Dunc's abilities are finally being harnessed in a proper school, How did I even produce such athletes? Whatever happens to me, and when, you will have to he very brave, and I know you are. Mark will he had of the family, and, I know, a great help. You have a profession, something at which you're good, and can, for all in frustrations, enjoy. Best to all, and love Mike