My dear friend Kate,
IAM writing to thank you for your loyalty, encouragement and understanding and to apologise for my failings in your last living days. You were the first friend I made when I returned to Ireland as a single parent with two young children. You understood that it was difficult for me to get out and about so you became a regular visitor to my house, often late at night when we shared a bottle of wine, exchanged sob stories and recommended good books to one and other. Seeing my isolation, you welcomed me into your circle of friends and encouraged my writing, seeing my potential when my future seemed hopeless to me.
One evening at your house you had the idea to post my profile and photo on a dating website. I was a little bit reticent, but eventually someone I was prepared to take a risk on appeared. Thank you, Kate! We are still very happy together after five and a half years and I owe my happiness to you.
When your cancer returned I tried to help you during your chemotherapy, on those rare days when you were able to see people. What I didn’t foresee was that you would die a few days after our last meeting. At your request I bought and delivered you milk, but when you asked me to sit with you I couldn’t stay long. I sat with you for about 10 minutes and saw something in your eyes I had never seen before: death. Foolishly, I estimated you had another six months to live and since you were invited for dinner at the weekend to meet my new partner, I rushed home.
I wish that I had poured your drink in our final moments together, regret that I did not take an hour to talk to you and listen to what you had to say. I wish that I told you how much your friendship meant to me. You texted to say that you were in hospital a couple of days later, so I knew that our dinner date might have to be postponed. I never imagined you would die so quickly.
So Kate, now that I have the opportunity, I want to thank you for all the happiness you brought me. You were a great friend. Please forgive me for letting you down. I miss you.
Love Name and address with Editor