The Luxury of Talking about Your Daughter

My Dear dad: 

I forgot to mention about one month ago I met a senior retired scholar who is a father of three beautiful engineer girls. 

While he was talking about his kids, that special feeling a parent toward his children was so strong.  He couldn't stop thinking about his daughters' goodness. The way he described them was beautiful.  It made me wonder, are you talking to others about me in prison at all? Because I know, I am talking about your story to all the people I am in touch with. I am truly proud of you -- my father, Zhiwen Wang. Moreover, I am  carrying on what you are believing in and defending. 

I remember that I sent you photos through mail or family.  From what I have heard, you aren't even allowed my pictures to be kept in prison at all. Each time a family member brings my photos to prison, you would stare at my pictures the whole time, then at the end of the visiting hour, you would insist on letting the family member taking the photo away... I understand that you are trying to protect your daughter the way you always have done.  

Whenever I thought about this, my heart aches and feels bitter.  How can I not feel sad?  I remember your last letter where you said that as a parent, the true joy is to watch your child mature and assume the responsibilities of life.  Instead, you choose to not have my picture around so no one could harm me a bit. 

I don't know what to say.... this thought makes me sad. 

Just thinking of you, dad. 

"Going into a battle without ever looking back."  I learned this proverb from a non-Chinese speaker who explained my Journey recently. 

Love,

Dandan