Hi Sharon,
A thousand thanks, Sharon, for your sensational news!!!! PR granted in such a short time – Is this a record?
Yes, we received your mails. Unfortunately we were busy with a ‘planning session’ and not near any computers until this morning. When Ilona opened her email at the breakfast table there were a few moments of silence while we let the good news sink in; then very gradually the magnitude of the event and the relief began to take hold. The solemnity of the occasion prevented any exuberant outburst, but the joy is profound indeed; matched only by our gratitude to you and your team for everything you’ve done to get us this far. I don’t want to gush, but you will hear more of our appreciation in future mails.
It is an interesting state of emotional existence – where one appears able to feel joy and horror almost simultaneously. Amidst the euphoria of our PR, I certainly felt anguish and empathy when I read of your cousin surviving a hijack attempt, but being shot in the leg a week later. My instinctive reaction was to express gratitude that it wasn’t worse and to hope that the bullet passed through muscle tissue and that it missed any bones. However, I know that the trauma (both physical and emotional) will be deep and long lasting; and will take considerable effort to rise above it. I fervently hope that he and his family are able to remove themselves to a place of greater safety. Catastrophically, the numbers of victims of this savagery continue to grow at an alarming pace. I agree with you that there appears to be no solution and the downward spiral of the situation in general seems to be steepening.
You, Ian and family are in our thoughts as well, especially with the increase in crime and unrest in your area. We fervently hope you’re able, not only to stay safe, but to enjoy a good quality of life. With the current situation in SA, it is to be expected that there will be an increase in numbers of people wanting to emigrate – and a commensurate increase in desperation. You will probably be very busy with new clients, but I hope we don’t lose contact.
I shall let you get on with your work by wishing you a successful Friday, a great weekend – and may your team win on Saturday
Yours in appreciation
Alan and Ilona