Mar 4, 2018
Dear Hossein,
The gifts sent to me with the help of Nader Soltanmohammadi arrived this weekend. I am elated that we have finally found a way to share these items, given my recent challenges in getting gifts for you through U.S. Customs.
The tray you sent is a beautiful work of art that I will always treasure as a token of our friendship and many collaborations. The tray will hang above my writing desk as a symbol of our shared mission in life. The hard copies of Love Fourteen Valley for Recovery and Crossing the Zone at 60 Degrees Below Zero are also appreciated, particularly the signed copies. And Rita and I are finding the Gaz pistachio treats absolutely delicious and unlike anything we have tasted before. Thank you for these wonderful gifts.
As for the Love book, I will again check with some publishers here in the U.S. to see if there is interest in publishing it in paper or e-book format. Self-publishing through one of the major online publishers might be an option. The two major ones here are CreateSpace (https://www.createspace.com/) and Amazon (https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US?ref_=kdpgp_p_us_psg_kw_ad70). Are these or alternative publishers available for you to use in Iran? If not, there may be a way to do the English version of the book here. I would have to investigate that to see if it would be possible. It would be good to have hard copies and e-book version of the Love book available in English. We will see if we can find a way to overcome the publishing obstacles we face in both of our countries. I am pleased to hear that the Edmond and Helga play has reached such a milestone.
My energy seems to be returning, though slower than I would like. I think the ebb in energy was due to both my recent sickness and the passing of my mother. The rebound from such physical and emotional injuries do not occur as rapidly as they once did. I will turn 71 in a few months and must continue to pace myself with awareness of my limitations. Such limitations do not obscure the sweetness of life and the fulfilled promises of recovery.
I look forward each year to the photos you share with me of the tree planting ceremony. I think this is a beautiful ritual so symbolic of the rebirth we experience through the recovery process and so affirming of the service people in recovery return to their communities.
Friends and Brothers Forever,
Bill