Dear Marion,

It's with some embarrassment that I review my recent letters
to you. Obviously I was unable to keep my Margrit's situation
in perspective. I'm still very much at a loss what, if anything
further I should undertake with respect to my sister, but I'm
not so distraught by the uncertainty as I was last night.

The financial data you forwarded are very helpful.  The charges
which you quoted are considerably lower than what I remembered
reading in an AARP publication.  My memory may well have been faulty.
In any event, the initial payment of $23000 which is refundable
on a prorated basis is a potential loss that Margrit can absorb.
All other expenditures will be payable from month to month as
services or goods are received, and if they exceed Margrit's
cash flow, as long as I am alive, she can always change her mind
and move back to Belmont.

Margrit is very enthusiastic about you, and is more likely to
listen to you than to anyone else. Here's her financial situation 
as I see it: Her pre-tax income is of the order of $60000.- per
year. She has no savings. She has no tangible assets against which
she can borrow money. She will need to borrow the $23000 entrance 
fee. The interest on that debt as well as the required amortization
she will have to defray from her monthly income. In addition to
the $2000 fee for independent living or $3000 fee for assisted
living, she will have expenses for the third meal, clothing, travel
gifts, telephone, television, computer service provision, medical,
surgical and hospital fees, costs for medication and for special
nursing when and if needed. At present she has only Medicare A and B.
She has no insurance for medical expenses not covered by Medicare.
She has no insurance for the cost of medications.

So long as Margrit stays in our house in Belmont she has no expenses
at all for room, board, telephone, computer or nursing care, and all
medical surgical and hospital expenses as well as medications are
defrayed from family funds. In addition, she has use of the family cars.
I accept and understand that she prefers to live in the edge of poverty
rather than to have anything to do with me.  Margrit is very lonely,
and we all will be much indebted to you if you take pity on her, 
correspond with her by e-mail and chat with her on the telephone.
If you need more detailed information on family finances, please ask.

I'm going to mail this letter now, before I drive to the airport to
fetch Klemens. I've been reading more of Micha's novel, and unless
I've been distracted, I'll write more when I get back.

Jochen