“Love is so very precious”: Patient publishes book of letters to late wife
Published on 26/08/2025
A patient at Good Hope Hospital has turned grief into a tribute by publishing a book of letters written to his late wife.
Stan Stroud was admitted to Ward 24 in February, and his wife, Flora, was admitted a week later, receiving end-of-life care on another ward. Tragically, she died while Stanley was still undergoing treatment. The compassionate staff on Ward 24 arranged for Stan to visit his wife between his treatments, giving the couple precious final moments together.
During his stay, Stan began writing letters to his late wife to cope with his immense loss. The idea was sparked by a caring member of staff on Ward 28 after he was transferred there.
Stan said: “If you read the letters, you will see that the essence of our love pervades them all. Flora was incredibly beautiful and a wonderful wife, mother, and granny.
“She was loving, loyal, brave, stoic, funny, so incredibly kind and patient. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful…”
Now, those deeply personal letters have been published in a book, with all proceeds going to his wife’s favourite charity.
Among the most painful chapters, Stan reflects on a difficult moment in their relationship: “The letter entitled ‘We Break Up’…those few weeks of separation were the most painful of my life, through my own stupidity and immaturity. I was convinced I’d lost her forever.”
But alongside the grief and honesty, Stan’s book is also filled with hope and gratitude. He credits staff at Good Hope Hospital with giving him the emotional strength to keep writing and begin healing. “Their love, patience, understanding and empathy...nothing was too much trouble,” he said. “There are so many moments I’ll never forget. The constant love, care, and support from the nurses, the carers who danced with me despite my wheelchair; those meant the world to me. We cried together, and we laughed together.”
Asked what message he hopes readers will take from his book, Stan said simply: “Love is so very precious. Always be kind. Never give up hope.”
‘Dear Flora: A Romantic Journey of Remembrance’ is available to buy on Amazon. Proceeds from the book will be donated to Flora’s favourite charity.
