BUBOG (An AMACon4 Entry)

ALAY

"Pain is real but so is hope."

November 25, 2016

Richard,

Mahal ko... kamusta ka na?

I know by the time you read this letter, alam mo na ang tungkol sa sakit ko. But i'll still tell you...

I was diagnosed... stage 4 cancer. Blood cancer. Leukemia.

I didn't know what to do, I don't know who to call.

Alam kong busy ka sa trainings and briefings nyo for your mission at ayokong madistract ka. I want you to come home alive and well.

At alam kong pag nalaman mo, uuwi ka dito kahit hindi pa tapos ang misyon mo. I know how important it is for you.

Wag ka magalit kila ate Nikki or at April. Even kay dad... I asked them not to tell you anything dahil ayokong mag alala ka.

The doctor said my body is no longer responding sa chemo and that cancer has spread sa buong katawan ko.

Sabi nya it's only a matter of time before my body fails.

I will try my best, maghihintay ako.

Hihintayin kita hanggang sa huling paghinga ko.

At kung sakaling hindi ako umabot sa pagdating mo, ipangako mong mabubuhay ka.

Ipangako mong mabubuhay ka ng matiwasay at maligaya.

I'll watch over you and guide you... I'll even protect you.

Sasamahan kita sa lahat ng laban mo, di kita iiwan pangako.

Mahal na mahal kita Richard.

Higit pa sa buhay ko, higit pa sa kahit na sino. At patawarin mo ko kung hindi ko magawang ipanalo ang laban ko na to.

Mahal ko, maging maligaya ka for me.

I know it was a selfish thing to ask, lalo pa't iiwanan kita sa ganitong paraan but I'm asking.

It's all I ask of you.

Be happy. For you. For me.

I love you now that my heart's still beating... until the day I'll take my last breath.

You'll have my heart and soul forever.

Love,

Maine