My coworker Lynda found this letter at the corner of The Driveway and Gilmour, in Ottawa. The note was ripped up and stuffed in between a utility pole and an "electrical box thingy". Lynda carefully puzzled it back together, taped it up, and gave it to me at a staff meeting.

This note is stunning. There are entire lifetimes of history here, compelling and sad. Jannine is writing her ex-husband Bob. She talks about her dead daughter Johanne, and mentions her dislike for Monique -- presumably Bob's new wife. Did Bob show the note to Monique? Why did he tear it up and throw it away the way he did?

Presumably he doesn't want to remember Jannine or the "many good moments and dreams" they had together.

The letter reads:

April 6, 2003

Bob:
Just wanted you to know you are in
my prayers and thoughts.

I hope you are happy and well.
Don't forget I am still your friend
Feel free to call or visit anytime
should you wish to do so.

Hope you enjoy the picture of
Gabrielle and Roger. Johanne would be so
proud of them. Wish I could see
them in person.

I send them gifts anyway. I
believe that Johanne wherever she is
knows and approves my loving
gestures to her children

May God bless you and
your loved ones always
Love
Jannine
xxx
xx
x

P.S. Please do not show this
note to Monique. I write
you what I feel in my heart

over

Monique would never understand
my feelings for you. Her heart
is full of hate. I have no
other motive but to be friends
and helpful if I can. After all
we were married and at one time
shared many good moments and
dreams together.

Regardless of our different paths we
can never deny or forget our past.
We had a beautiful and precious
daughter. I miss her so very much
still. I feel so empty without her
Life has lost its meaning for me
she was my everything.

I hope that sharing my personal
feelings does not make you uncomfortable
Since Johanne passed away I
make sure that everything I want
to say is expressed because I
have come to realize that there is
only today that tomorrow I may
not be here or vice versa.