Dear Joe,

Enclosed is the letter of Anne for “Lovenotes”. Her cousin gave this to me and I know she will be happy that her letter was sent to you. Anne recently passed away and you know Joe, she was the best thing that ever happened to my life. She gave me direction. She brought me closer to God. She made me feel very special. It hurts to know that the one you love the most will not be back anymore. But I believe that someday we will see each other again. Thank you for reading her letter Joe. It means a lot to me.

Sincerely yours,
Jay

Dear Joe,

Call me Anne. I am 17 years old. Everyone says that I have everything any girl would dream of having -- beauty, talent, wealth, and a very happy family .Every girl in school envied me because of the extra special attention given to me by guys. But, they just didn’t know the pain I was going through. Joe, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer a year ago. I’m dying and by the time you get my letter I may have been taken already. Sorry Joe if I won’t be around to read my letter in your column but I hope that you’ll still feature it.

I grew up to be an obedient child even if I was pampered with all the luxuries in life. I’m the youngest of three siblings and the only one left unmarried. I’m being protected like a rare treasure, but I’m not a spoiled brat. My parents do not allow me to get into any serious relationships with guys. I never experienced having a boyfriend. I had lots of suitors but only one of them had a special spot in my heart. “M” was so persistent in courting me and he promised my parents that he’d wait until I finished college. “M” is older than I am by 8 years and is a very good-looking guy. He’s a medical student at a prestigious university in Manila. He visits me during semestral breaks and never misses calling me or texting me everyday. He treats me in a very special way and nobody would think that we’re not committed to each other. I even ceased to entertain other suitors because of the promises he made to my parents and me.

During this summer my friends convinced me to join a chatroom where I met Jay. He was working as a graphic designer in a multi-million printing company in Manila. He texted me everyday and our constant communication became a routine. When I found out that “M” was going out with another girl I felt so depressed. I turned to Jay and he was always around when I needed someone to lean on. I owe him my quick recovery from the pain that I felt inside.

Joe, my ailment became worse and my parents decided to send me to the States for further treatment. I lied to my friends and to Jay when I told them that I was pursuing my medical degree there. He opposed my decision and when I asked him why, he said he loved me very much. He said he’ll be waiting for my return. Joe , my whole world shattered when I heard him say “I love you” because I knew I cannot come back home anymore. It hurt because I had also fallen for him. I know Jay will be mourning for me when I die but I don’t want him to mourn for me for the rest of his life. I want him to continue searching for the right girl because he deserves to be happy. I know God has a better plan for him.

I kept on begging God to take me with Him because I hate to see my parents suffer when I suffer. But, when Jay came into my life, I asked God to let me live longer. It will not be granted anymore because I know I will be gone soon. Jay only knew of my condition when I was in the States already. He felt my pain and suffering from cancer and he was so worried about me. We both cried, Joe. I wanted to share his dreams but I can’t. Time isn’t on our side.

I hope our story will inspire those who have loved with their hearts and those who lose love for reasons beyond their control. I may not be around when you read this but I’ll know, somehow , that you gave me a chance to be heard for the last time.

Love,
Anne