I hope you will not misunderstand me as
being facetious or ironic when I write that
as I re-read your letter I am impressed
with its literary quality, with the cogency
and insight of your deliberations. I do
believe that writing about ones thoughts
and feelings in this manner is the path
to freedom.

You are correct when you assert that disagreements
between you and myself are not to be ascribed
to Laura.  You misunderstood my note as a request
to you to move the boulders. I was merely expressing
a (legal and social) opinion, in principle no
different from the advice I recently gave you
concerning legal strategies for a hypothetical
sale of the Nantucket real estate. I'm not
offended when you don't agree with me and do
things your own way.

As for the "hurt" that I might feel when you exclude
me from your deliberations, I accept it as I accept
other injuries and disappointments. I persuade myself
that they add perspective and depth to my existence.
And, of course, it's not only maintenance and renovation
plans from which I am excluded; but from literally _all_
the significant decisions that you make. In this regard
your relationship to me is quite comparable to my sister's.

In contemplating the past 23 years, I have often reflected
on the circumstance that your rejection of my affection,
however painful it may have been from time to time, 
has liberated both of us from each other. It is not only
you, but also I who has found freedom in being separate and
left to his own devices. I have no complaints; I have no
regrets. My only wish is that you should be healthy,
productive and happy. My own affairs will take care of
themselves.