ninoy's last letter to cory

A love so strong that can withstand any form of adversity is what each of us long for. In our most private moment, we storm the gates of heaven asking God to let our one true love come forth in our lives. We fervently hope for that person, albeit our imperfections, to put up with us, through thick and thin. But this kind of love is not something that God simply grants us. A love that remains strong, amidst a cycle of misfortune, is a priceless gift a man and a woman gives to one another. It is something they willingly work on. Needless to say, it is a selfless act.

The slain senator Ninoy Aquino, in his last letter to the late President Cory Aquino, affectionately professed his eternal love for his beloved wife. True enough, theirs is a love story so true, withstanding all forms of misery. I snagged a copy of that letter and I am posting it here for the world to know. I am certain, that after a woman reads this, she will wish for her own Ninoy to come in her life.

My Dearest Cory,

In a few hours I shall be embarking on an uncertain fate, which may well be the end of a long struggle. I slept well last night for the first time since I left Boston -- maybe because I'm just plain tired or I'm really at peace with myself. I want to tell you many things but time is running out and I do not have any machine. After a few more paragraphs, my penmanship will be illegible.

All the things I want to tell you may be capsulized in one line - - I love you! You've stood by me in my most trying moments and there were times I was very hard on you. But if anyone will ever understand me, it is you, and I know you will always find it in your heart to forgive -- and unfair and ironic as it is -- it is because of this thought and belief that I often took you for granted.

Early on I knew I was not meant to make money -- so I won't be able to leave anything to the children. I did what I thought I could do best, which is public service, and I hope our people in time will appreciate my sacrifices. This would be my legacy to the children. I may not bequeath them material wealth but I leave them a tradition which can be priceless.

I realize I've been very stingy with praise and appreciation for all your efforts -- but though unsaid -- you know that as far I'm concerned, you are the best. That's why we've lasted this long. There will only be one thing in the world I will never accept -- that you love me more than I love you -- because my love for you though unarticulated will never be equaled.

If all goes well I should be back in my cell before sundown. Should I be detained do not rush to get home. Take your time and enjoy a side trip to Europe with the girls.

I'll try to call you tonight if the authorities will allow me. Otherwise just remember me in your dreams.

Love,
Ninoy

P.S. I offered a special rosary for Papa and I asked for his intercession. You know he never failed me. (Ninoy here is referring to Cory's father, Jose Cojuangco, who died on August 21, 1976)