Book excerpt: Excerpts from Bruce Laingen's Secret Journal and Letters: . DAY 13, November 16, 1979--I am sick at heart, but I remain an optimist, too, confident that human decency will ultimately prevail. Then we will have a long, long time in which to reflect on this tragedy... DAY 50, December 23, 1979--The whole thing is unconscionable...that a government that professes to be guided by spiritual considerations should demonstrate such cruelty and inhumanity. It boggles my mind and depresses my spirit. DAY 59, January 1, 1980--I think tonight I have learned to hate. Certainly I have felt bitterness in ways that I never have before. DAY 170, April 21, 1980-- Dear Jim (thirteen-year-old son), Thanksgiving, Mom's birthday, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, Easter--all that I didn't mind missing too much, but your Confirmation Day, that I didn't want to miss. But barring an Islamic miracle (they're rare), I will miss it. And I regret that very much. DAY 435, January 11, 1981--There's an expression... that walls do not a prison make. Well, I must say they do a reasonably good job at it... My family is constantly on my mind, to be talked about in a dialogue with God, to be remembered for the shared experiences of years past, to be seen in my minds eye as often thinking of me. Surely all of us held here are stronger men and women because we know that in that respect we are not alone.