James Foley’s Last Letter: Prayers, Family, and Love

Last updated on: December 26, 2014 at 10:51 pm by Frank Weathers

James Foley’s Last Letter: Prayers, Family, and Love 2014-12-26T22:51:25-05:00 Frank Weathers

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Throughout my Marine Corps career, I wrote many letters home to my family. I served long before the advent of social media, so the letter writing kits available at the PX were what I used to write home with. I’d write my mom and dad, let them know how I was doing, etc.

Later, after I got married, the letters were to my wife. And then to my wife and my children.

I can say this about those letters: I always told the truth in them. Because when you miss your loved ones, the truth of your love for them is what shines through in your communique with them. You miss them. They miss you. And you put your love for them down on paper so it comes alive for them as they open an envelope.

I see the same thing in the last letter James Foley was able to get home to his family. Over at Find Jim Foley, we learn that Jim wrote home many times, and usually without success in getting those messages past his captors. But when one of the captives was on the verge of being released, Foley asked them to memorize these 500 words, and get them to his parents if at all possible.

Take a look.

Dear Family and Friends,

I remember going to the Mall with Dad, a very long bike ride with Mom. I remember so many great family times that take me away from this prison. Dreams of family and friends take me away and happiness fills my heart.

I know you are thinking of me and praying for me. And I am so thankful. I feel you all especially when I pray. I pray for you to stay strong and to believe. I really feel I can touch you even in this darkness when I pray.

Eighteen of us have been held together in one cell, which has helped me. We have had each other to have endless long conversations about movies, trivia, sports. We have played games made up of scraps found in our cell…we have found ways to play checkers, Chess, and Risk… and have had tournaments of competition, spending some days preparing strategies for the next day’s game or lecture. The games and teaching each other have helped the time pass. They have been a huge help. We repeat stories and laugh to break the tension.

I have had weak and strong days. We are so grateful when anyone is freed; but of course, yearn for our own freedom. We try to encourage each other and share strength. We are being fed better now and daily. We have tea, occasional coffee. I have regained most of my weight lost last year.

I think a lot about my brothers and sister. I remember playing Werewolf in the dark with Michael and so many other adventures. I think of chasing Mattie and T around the kitchen counter. It makes me happy to think of them. If there is any money left in my bank account, I want it to go to Michael and Matthew. I am so proud of you, Michael and thankful to you for happy childhood memories and to you and Kristie for happy adult ones.

And big John, how I enjoyed visiting you and Cress in Germany. Thank you for welcoming me. I think a lot about RoRo and try to imagine what Jack is like. I hope he has RoRo’s personality!

And Mark… so proud of you too Bro. I think of you on the West coast and hope you are doing some snowboarding and camping, I especially remember us going to the Comedy Club in Boston together and our big hug after. The special moments keep me hopeful.

Katie, so very proud of you. You are the strongest and best of us all!! I think of you working so hard, helping people as a nurse. I am so glad we texted just before I was captured. I pray I can come to your wedding…. now I am sounding like Grammy!!

Grammy, please take your medicine, take walks and keep dancing. I plan to take you out to Margarita’s when I get home. Stay strong because I am going to need your help to reclaim my life.

Jim

Keep James Foley’s family in your prayers. May his death, and the death of all those mercilessly slaughtered by ISIS, be not in vain.

Previous Post

August 22, 2014

The #1 Reason Why I Am Giving The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge The Cold Shoulder...

Next Post

August 28, 2014 Catholics, Political Ideologies, And A Song That Explains Our Place On The Grid

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Blog News Conversion Story Culture Learning Living Nature Prayer Uncategorized Working

Select a Month June 2016 May 2016 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the main symbol of Christianity?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Rainbow Olive branch Lion The cross