Confirmation

In a recent interview, Christopher Hitchens, currently suffering from oesophageal cancer, expressed great appreciation for the many letters he has received in the last few months. In his own words:

I’ve had an amazing number of letters from people, I still get them. Hand written ones to my house, as well as emails to my office in New York. Saying really, the nicest things, most of them… not all. And trying to assure me that, in their minds, my life hasn’t been a waste of time, even if it ends prematurely. I’m 62 in April, if I make it that far. And believe me, that’s been encouraging.

I’ve learned something from it, which is of course, like most of the things one knows that are important, already known to me, but I really know it now. Never put off writing a letter to one who is in distress. It is always very much appreciated. I’m not asking for more people to write to me, but if they have someone in mind, or someone known to them, and they haven’t quite gotten around to it yet… I’d urge them to do it.

It has been a terrific help to me, I must say. And I’m not a particularly vulnerable person in that way, not that easily stirred. But this has been very moving for me, very confirming.”

This is a bit surprising coming from an internationally renowned media figure like Hitchens.

Peace...