Claire Mitchel, who has been writing The Miami Herald's Third Third column for 24 years, continues to recuperate from a fall. She still needs a little more recovery time, but can't wait to get back to writing her column.

On Sunday, we invited you, her loyal readers, to send messages to her, wishing her a speedy recovery. And you did just that, quickly mailing dozens of letters.

Here are a few excerpts from readers' cards:

``I love to read her article every week. I feel like I know her personally. I feel like she's really my close friend. I just want her to be fine.''

-- Ina LaBell,

Pembroke Pines

``Since moving to Florida 17 years ago, I appreciate the voice of reason, experience and humanity which you express on a weekly basis.''

-- Wendy Fernandez,

Hollywood

``So many of the things you write about seem to be `my life.' At 73, and a widow, the kicks and punches are easier to handle when I read of them in your column.''

-- Shelly Grosky,

Pembroke Pines

Claire said she is very heartened to hear your kind messages. ``I'm happy they feel this way. I feel like I'm writing to friends.''

I know Claire would be delighted to hear from more of you. You can send cards and letters of get-well wishes to Claire in care of The Miami Herald, 2010 NW 150th Ave., Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, and I will make sure she receives each one.

-- ROCHELLE KOFF

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