Holly and Maria, now in their late sixties, have now been a couple very much in love for about 40 years. Life as it once was grinds to an abrupt halt when Maria is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Holly starts to write down their life together, how they met, how Maria saved her, how she saved Maria. Written from Holly's POV in present tense from back when they were in their 20's, 'Dear Maria' is a powerful reminder of what love means, and that no one lives forever.