Well-wishers sing outside the hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sunday, June 30.
Pretoria (CNN) -- Handwritten messages pinned to a makeshift memorial board outside a Pretoria hospital describe the fear and resignation felt by many ordinary South Africans that Nelson Mandela may not be with them much longer.
"You are and will always be a true legend and grandfather to us all," reads one note tied around the neck of a little white bear. Another, placed with a bunch of proteas, the country's national flower, says "Tata Mandela you have touched our lives and blessed us in more ways than one. We love you."
Many of the messages appear to be written by children, in colored glue and pen, including one which features the hand prints of children still far too young to understand the indelible mark the former president has left on their country.
Dozens gather to pray for Nelson Mandela
The whole world prays for one man
The touching and very personal tributes started appearing on the wall on June 8, the day Mandela was admitted to hospital for a recurring lung infection.
However, what was hoped to be a short stint has stretched into its 19th day, the longest period of hospitalization ever for a man known not for his physical strength but personal fortitude.
Headlines in local newspapers leave little doubt about the challenges Mandela, or Madiba as he's known here, faces after a life of struggle at the age of 94.
Against a predominantly black front page, the Daily Sun's lead headline reads: "The Final Struggle," with the sub headline "Critical Hours for Madiba."
On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela's condition had slipped from stable to critical, prompting a private meeting of his closest family members Tuesday.
It's not known what they discussed but the meeting added further worry as onlookers waited for an update from the presidential office on Mandela's condition.
Since his condition worsened on Sunday, media crews from around the world have made their way to the street outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria.
Late Tuesday, in an ominous sign, large numbers of police officers descended on the area, setting up road blocks at either end of the Celliers street, where the hospital is located.
Pedestrians are being allowed to move back and forth across the barriers, as are cars, but most media crews remain parked for fear of losing their space in what's fast becoming a very crowded street.
A number of satellite trucks have been moved into position, beaming live broadcasts around the world -- further evidence, if any is needed, of Mandela's influence beyond the borders of his homeland.
In between reports, journalists struggle to stay warm; it's winter in South Africa and while the sun warms the air throughout the day, at night temperatures fall below freezing.
No one knows how long the wait will last.
If the darkening mood is anything to go by, it may not be long until South Africa is forced to confront the reality that some hoped would never come.
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South African military veterans dance in support outside the hospital on June 30.
A man prays at the tribute wall for Mandela outside the hospital on June 30.
Veterans pray on June 30.
Members of the Ethiopian Church pray near the hospital on June 30.
Supporters gather outside the hospital on Thursday, June 27.
Mandela's granddaughter Ndileka Mandela and other family members collect flowers left by well-wishers on June 27.
A member of Mandela's family is swamped by the media on June 27 while collecting flowers from well-wishers.
Hare Krishna followers show their support for Mandela by singing and playing drums on June 27 as they march past the hospital.
Members of the African National Congress Youth League wave a banner from their bus as they drive to join the gathering on June 27.
A youth league member wishes Mandela well in a banner on a fence near the hospital on June 27.
Supporters view and photograph get-well messages and other mementos placed on a fence near the hospital on June 27.
Well-wishers sing songs by candlelight outside the hospital on June 27.
Well-wishers add messages of support to the growing collection on June 26.
A note, seen on June 26, tied around the neck of a teddy bear reads: "Thanks for everything you've done for our country."
Florence Nyadzani leads those gathered in songs and cheers of support outside the hospital on June 25.
Messages, paintings, cards and flowers are posted to a wall outside the hospital on June 25.
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