THE LETTERS

THE LETTERS is a true story, and one told through a sampling of the two thousand original love letters written between a Roman Catholic priest and a young woman half his age. The letters from this sampling are from 1966-69; they record the particular circumstances of the two main characters and how their lives were then intertwined.

In an atmosphere of ever-increasing love, Joe and Mary must face daunting challenges : in particular the devastation they will face because of Joe's rare, deadly cancer-- and consequently the very short time that remains for them to be together. Joe's mental anguish as he realizes that Mary and their two small children must face the future without him is brought into singularly sharp focus.

The publication is divided into thirteen segments; each is introduced by a letter written by Mary to their children as she is re-reading and arranging these letters that had been stored away for close to forty years.

Though this is an immensely sad story, it is also an inspiring window into intense love, great courage, and ultimate victory. This book will move you deeply as it turns its unique light on the glory of human love and determination in the face of almost insurmountable odds.

December 3rd, Forty Years Later

Dear Arthur and Mary T.,

   A few years ago, when I first thought of making a selection of your father’s letters for you and your children, I could not imagine that the cancer which took your father from us would also choose me as one of its victims! I am not genetically related to your father; we did not grow up in a similar environment-- his was urban, mine rural. Even our nationalities were different. The odds that both of us would be afflicted by the same rare cancer, a LEIOMYOSARCOMA, are nearly incalculable. Yet that is what has happened.

   Hence, the publication of these letters... All proceeds are to be donated for finding a cure for Leiomyosarcoma and other sarcomas. I know you favor this, because you are aware that very little public funding is made available for research into these rare cancers. Private donations will have to fill the void.

   It is hoped that one day this research will spare many families the untimely loss of a loved one. Perhaps even-- as some cancers are thought to run in families-- you, or your children, could benefit from an improved knowledge of the causes, and effective treatments, of sarcomas.

   My love to both of you, also to the Little Ones: Katherine, Alaina, Rémi, Dominique, Maxine and André.

      Mamma

Reviews:

Hello Mary,
Just to let you know the book arrived safely.
I read it non-stop!

Oh Mary what a gripping love story. I can't get it out of my mind. Joe and Mary had such a strong and loving relationship. What they went through and had to endure because of love. Their love was meant to be. They overcame so many obstacles, trials and tribulations. But their devotion was so deep. Their time together was so short. Some of us who have been married for a long time will not experience the special love that they had for one another. I wept tears of joy and sadness. I am humbled having read this wonderful book.

God bless you and your family....Cindy

Thank you so much for "THE LETTERS"- I just finished it and I want to re-read it before passing it along to someone else. What loving and deeply touching letters- not everyone is lucky enough to meet their perfect soul mate- their time together was so short, but despite all their problems, love survived. When I received the book, I was at a very low point in my life- it helped me to see that one can look at the bright side and go on to lead a fulfilling life. I was particularly drawn to page 202 when Mary quoted what Joe had written to her in 1965 "Some place you and I crossed a bridge. Someplace we took the step of no return. It is now impossible to gain back the pieces of me, the great hunks of me that you have- and that I have of you." It was so eloquent- and I wish I could have expressed those thoughts to my husband before he died.

--Gereen

Hello Mary,

What amazing comments I have received from readers of your book; what an impact it has on its readers. I've sold two for you- both to Canadians- and in both cases, the readers were just blown away!

--Brenda"

Hi Mary,

It is with tears in my eyes that I am writing this email. I just finished “The Letters” that I started today and could not stop until I finished it.

The book is a powerful story of a deep love and strong courage. It moved me many times to tears as I very much identified with Joe, since I have stage 4 Leiomyosarcoma. I also have a beautiful wife and two children. My last operation was 2 ½ years ago and at that time I was given less than 2 years. The only chemo available to me is a clinical trial, which I have avoided. When my end comes, I will be at home with my family. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my time left with my family and friends and be thankful for every day that God allows me to be on this earth.

God Bless you,

Terry

Dear Mary --

Your book arrived today. I had both goosebumps and tears when I saw the cover. I immediately started reading, forgetting that I was in the middle of a computer project. It took Don reminding me that I had yet to cook dinner, for me to stop. The letters to A&MA are marvelous -- warm, touching, emotional. I knew the book would be wonderful, but never, ever imagined it could have this impact despite your sharing an early manuscript with me. The finished book conveys so much more. I wish I knew the tricks of the trade for creating a wider distribution base for it -- it could do so much good. I'm not talking just about the obvious good of money going to research. I am talking about how much soul and spirit healing it could provide to others.

Love,
Sonia