Paths and Thoughts 1

Interpreting the title of the book, we would say that the Author's thoughts are paths that lead him to the readers and which then become paths for them as well, leading them to clean, mountain places, for the heart and soul. Reading them, I remembered the words that his literature professor at the Theological Seminary in Buzau, Father Trifanescu, said to the Author when he was a student and reproduced in his literature book, The Fruitless Fig (Ed. Cartea Româneasca, 1986): "You have style and you tell beautiful stories. You could write!" And the Author has confirmed through his writing what was once said, as a prophecy, by the Professor. As far as we know, Mihai Vlasie has reached many homes through his books and column (the guide Roads to Monasteries alone has been printed in five editions so far!). We also accompany this new book of his on its way to readers with bishop's blessings." (Bishop Galaction) When I write these lines, I think not so much of Chekhov, but of the doctor who assisted him in the last moment of his life. ,,Anton Pavlovich passed away peacefully – writes his wife, Olga Knipper. Towards evening, he woke up and for the first time in his life asked me to send for a doctor. The doctor, who was treating him in the German resort of Badeweiler, came. He consulted him… And prescribed champagne. Chekhov sat up straight, took the goblet: "I haven't had champagne for a long time…"; he drank it all, lay down on his left side and fell asleep forever. It wasn't Chekhov's peaceful death that impressed me, but the fact that the doctor was able to rise to the level of his patient. The doctor's name was Schwerer; I consider him the last "character" created by Chekhov." (Author)