To my dear daughter,
The day you came was the happiest moment of my life, incomparable to other memorable moments which I have been fortunate enough to have experienced in this life. You were the eldest of my children and without loving your siblings any less, you will always be special to me. We have formed a bond so strong that we usually show it to others by wearing the same clothes and sporting the same hairstyles.
You left us to find your place in another land and I let you because you wanted to. I will never be the one to stand in the way of your dreams and you know I will support you always. I chose not to tell you that only a year after you have left, I was diagnosed with cancer because I didn't want to disturb your peace when you are so far away from us.
I bravely went through the treatments because I really wanted to get better because I know you will be coming home soon to get married. Even when I had temporary memory loss because of the treatments, my mother's heart never forgot any of you. And when I was diagnosed with another sickness, I prayed that I will be given the chance to perform my last duty for you.
God answered my prayers. I was strong enough to attend your wedding and when I felt weakness settle in, I prayed even harder for the strength to finish this task. I wouldn't want to spoil your special day for any reason and God listened one more time.
I saw you leave again to go back to work after several days here with us. Although I knew then that it would probably be the last time we'll see each other, I was at peace, knowing that I have finished my task. Much as I wanted to stay, I am so sorry for having to leave only within days after your wedding day. But remember this, I will always be with you. I know that you will have your own child soon and I know this will lead you to better understand how I felt when I had you.
Mother
Dedicated to Knol and her mother, Theresa
Note: The above "letter" is the author's own interpretation of the story of one of my eldest daughter's good friends, Knol Lopez-Lopez and her mother, Ma. Theresa Reyes Lopez
