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A Few Words for My Friends

October 27, 2016

My friends, we have been out of touch for so long.

In 2015, on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, September 27, my husband Jiang Peikun died suddenly from a heart attack at 2:53 in the afternoon. This sudden misfortune plunged me into an abyss. Jiang's funeral services were simple, in accordance with the will that we had prepared together in 2013. As we agreed at the time, if I go first, he will make arrangements according to the will; if he dies first, I will execute the will.

I don’t know how to use a computer; I can’t type, use e-mail, write a microblog or use WeChat. For a long time, I relied on Jiang to get in touch with the outside world. In his death I have lost not only my beloved, but also my link with the outside world.

For more than 20 years, both Jiang and I have lived under the close surveillance of the authorities. In order not to implicate others after he died, I canceled the broadband services he used in Beijing and Wuxi, and packed up his favorite computer and IPAD and put them away. So for this past year, I have not seen—much less been able to reply to—the e-mails and messages on WeChat sent to me from relatives and friends. I ask sincerely for your understanding and forgiveness for my impoliteness and helplessness, and I offer you all my deepest thanks in return.

After Jiang died, I had to ask the Tiananmen Mothers’ service team for a long-term leave of absence due to my overall situation and my deteriorating health. During my leave, I will be unable to participate in the activities of the group. In the future, please contact the Tiananmen Mothers’ service team directly if necessary.

In this nation, the Tiananmen Mothers group formed naturally, and, unafraid of the high pressure from those in power, has persevered to this day. In addition to the efforts of all the mothers, much is owed for the concern and support from friends inside the country and overseas. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude.

Although I am not in good health, my mind is clear, and my memory is fine. As long as I can still breathe, I will not cease my efforts and will not give up the three demands of the Tiananmen Mothers for a just solution to June Fourth, and will continue to maintain the principle of upholding the group’s independence.

May the souls of our loved ones in Heaven bless the Tiananmen Mothers! 

Ding Zilin

September 27, 2016