Dear Vob,

I was running late for an important appointment this morning-the telephone rang-my favourite cousin from New York crying - needless to say, I was very late for my appointment.

She is one of the kindest, most loving generous persons in the world - but lonely and grieving - lost her mother in September, her son returned to Barbados in November and the remainder of her family were out of State.

She just had a birthday, Thanksgiving was sad and I know this will be the worst Christmas ever if I can't get her home. She gives so much, give her a good Christmas.