I read your e-mail letter again, and was touched
by your affection and concern for Mommy and me.

I am much persuaded by what I said to you in the
driveway: that our children's temperaments are
such that they would probably feel confined and
oppressed during much of the trip. I admire Laura's
determination and skill in managing the children,
but I think there is an unrecognized cost of the
discipline she imposes on them, and while I think
Nathaniel is becoming less frantic, I think that
the unavoidable strictness required by being away
from home would have an adverse effect on him.
And Rebekah wouldn't like it either.

I can also imagine that your own professional and
political effectiveness might be impaired by the
children's demands, by their restlessness and unruliness.
As I said, I think you should take time off to vacation
together, whether in Konnarock, on Nantucket or elsewhere.
But I don't think all of you going to Hilton Head is a
good idea.

Under the circumstances, I guess I wouldn't spend the
large amount of money; but I wouldn't be critical if you
spent it; and would be pleased to give it to you, if it
would make you feel better about the trip.

The only regret I have and will ever have about dying
is no longer to be able to care for Mommy, for you, 
for the children, and for my sister; and if you should
"predecease" me, as the lawyers say, then surely my
spirit will die with you, even thought it might take
the body some time to catch up. In that respect you
needn't worry about me. I ask myself from time to time
whether I am doing Mommy and you an injustice by not
taking a more active interest in my longevity.