Clipping from a mail from my sister:

[Hospitalised for a chest infection, my 97-year-old Uncle] Arthur has declared that this is it. He’s not eating and wants to go. He’s intending to hang on until Duncan gets there which should be lunchtime tomorrow – Wednesday.

He does have a phone by the bed but I don’t know the number yet as he was moved yesterday. He’s in the [name] ward of [hospital]. Let me know if you want any further details or if you want me to pass on a message.

The staff say that at present there’s nothing medically wrong that’s going to finish him off but that if he’s decided that his time has come there’s nothing to do but let him get on with it.

I took Dad and Pat there yesterday. Dad was shaken by Arthur’s appearance when we arrived but heartened by Arthur’s improvement through our visit. Pat and he are resigned and approve of Arthur’s decision. I shall see him again tomorrow when I deliver Duncan.