I am not afraid of storms, for I am leaning how to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott

...for it is the small temptations which undermine integrity unless we watch and pray and never think them too trivial to be resisted.

A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.

I don't like favors; they oppress and make me fell like a slave. I'd rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.