Reading and Writing

Before I set out to visit my son in the country which I have repeatedly described as “faraway and cold”, I thought about the days that I will be spending there. The idea that pressed on me was to record my diary in it, day by day. However, I backed away from anything that would keep me from rejoicing in him and his family. I said I would first give myself to them. I know that I cannot live without reading and writing. My children have been brought up on the papers that take me from them. I did not intend to neglect them in my position. I have never favored anything over them. They knew that these two things, namely reading and writing, are of the requirements of my ministry. I remember that my eldest son had asked me, once or twice, about readings that he thought I had given up on. His question about my being kept by this section from writing lengthy articles still resonates with me. I think my children know that they are among my references in reading and writing. When I adhere to them in private, I am reading and writing.