Letter from Alcatraz

My Darling Winnie, I have been fairly successful in putting on a mask behind which I have pined for my family, alone, never rushing for the post when it comes until somebody calls out my name. I also never linger after visits although sometimes the urge to do so becomes quite terrible. Now and again I have had nightmares in which I saw you collapsing and I was quite unable to help. I dreamt this more than once. There were anxious moments when your health worried me seriously and when I feared that I might not be able to see you again. Despite all the pressure, there have been times when I felt I ought to break my vow not to worry you with my own problems. The knowledge that in many respects I am completely powerless makes the burden all the more heavy. But I know you are a fighter and that you will not surrender. Your love and support, your visits, have kept me strong all these years. The children grow and I miss watching them become adults. Yet I know that when I am free, we will be together again. Our struggle will prevail. Freedom will come to our people. Until then, I draw strength from knowing you are there, fighting alongside our comrades. All my love, always, Madiba