Dear Deborah, I have no words — at loss in fact — except to stress how much you have grown in my respect and admiration. Your life is certainly not easy and I know, too, that you didn’t divulge your pain for the sake of pity.

I wish you strength — even more than you already have — to get through these sad times.

Yes, cherish the little oases you find in between, which include channelling your emotions and thoughts through your wonderful writing.

I am so grateful that here in Germany, the easing of the lockdown regulations went hand in hand with having to wear masks when shopping or in public transport. This is a continual reminder that the pandemic is not yet over.