The wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela said she was stirred by the global love and generosity that the family received during Mandela's latest hospitalization.
"So much love and generosity from South Africans, Africans across the continent, and thousands more from across the world, have come our way to lighten the burden of anxiety; bringing us love, comfort and hope," said former first lady Graca Machel in a statement Monday.
"We have felt the closeness of the world and the deepest meaning of strength and peace," said Machel.
The former first lady said that the ailing Mandela received best-wishes through emails, social media, cards and flowers.
The family was overwhelmed by the support shown by people and the songs that people sang for the family outside the Mandela home.
The global peace icon is spending the tenth-day in hospital for a recurring lung infection and is in a stable condition and seeing sustained improvement.
Mandela, leader of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, spent 27-years in jail during the white racist rule and he became the first black president in 1994 after over throwing the apartheid regime.
Mandela has been in a serious condition since he was rushed to a Pretoria hospital on June 8 and this is the fourth time since last December that he has been admitted to hospital for recurring lung infection. He is 94 years old.
