Dearest Seif,
What you know very well about me is that I have the memory of a fish. In fact, you keep reminding me of that in case I forgot. The problem with having the memory of a fish is that I read a lot about history to educate myself. And then I forget it all – completely – just like Dory from the cartoon “Finding Nemo”. I even LOOK like Dory.
My lack of memory and benefiting from what I read has made me stop reading nonfiction books or articles. What’s the use of spending all this time pouring over fascinating information if I can’t recall and retell it to myself or others? Because of this, I have suffered from being “illiterate” when it comes to the history of my country. No reading newspapers, no following news of any sort, no opinion… completely sedated.
I am thankful for the revolution that is still taking place as I type. It gave me the crash-course that I needed. I am listening to the news; I’m reading online articles and notes; I’m reading the Egyptian constitution for the first time in my life. I feel so sheepish to admit my ignorance, but I’m doing something about it. Not only am I reading and digesting things for the first time, I’m going to challenge myself to also teach it! Students can’t turn out to be as impotent as I was – they are our future… and you are part of our future too, Seif.
“Knowledge is power” … Read… See for yourself and through your own eyes… Form an opinion… Set a goal… Believe in yourself. I see what you are like when you focus on something you enjoy – you become so engrossed, it takes over your whole being. And the whole house. Channel this energy, and you will be able to create a change – however small or big.
Love you,
Your mother… what’s my name again?!?
(Laugh so you don’t make me feel bad, Seif.)
Dear Seif 
Dear Dori (or mom that says she looks like Dori) 🙂
Your letter is so simple and yet so deep. It is beautiful and touching. As I read through, I thought to myself, I could sign my name under this article.
Best wishes.
Thank you, dear. Now we are both “out of the closet” 😀 Wish me luck as I teach the Egyptian constitution (in translation) to many stubborn students! I just hope to be able to inspire them to become more in tune with what’s going on in their country & to stop being as passive as I was.
Thank you for taking the time to drop me a note!
A Fish Called Rania 🙂