Dear Nikola,

Thank you very much for forwarding the information about protein intake and muscle loss in old age. Your advice is well taken. I am touched by your affectionate concern for my well-being. Quite possibly I might be in better health today if in the past seven years of my life since the death of my wife I had been more careful about a healthy diet. I shall try to do better, but it may be too late. My long-standing conviction never to regret the past, protects me from adding to my troubles by casting blame on myself or on anyone else. I know it's natural to assume that death can be postponed indefinitely and that one can live forever. But it doesn't work that way. Tomorrow in four weeks I will have lived 92 years, I think that's more than I deserve, and my final project is to make my leaving this life as beneficial to my family - and that includes you - as I am able.  As always, my best wishes to you.

EJM