‘Life goes on, memories of LJM will never die’

Arriving home from a Christmas family reunion—a tradition in my mother-in-law’s home—at about 10 o’clock in the evening on Christmas Eve, I opened my iPad to see the latest in Inquirer online news. But the unexpected greeted me: “Esteemed PDI editor in chief Letty J. Magsanoc passes away” (posted Dec. 24, 9:50 p.m.)! The report, though sketchy at about 70 words, was unbelievable and I could feel a tightness in my neck and chest as I read the news.

The next day, up much earlier for the traditional Christmas Mass in the neighborhood parish, which was officiated by Father John from Bangladesh (he is taking up graduate studies at the UST), I saw that the Inquirer’s one-star edition was delivered too early by the reliable newsboy.

Expecting a headline or an article about Letty J. Magsanoc, I was surprised to find no mention about her passing on any of the newspaper’s pages. I searched! Am I dreaming? I asked myself. Did the online news site err? Back to my senses, I felt at peace.

I have never met nor ever heard LJM’s voice, but I am aware her husband is a physician, and a son is also a physician at the Philippine General Hospital. But in writing letters or sending e-mails to the Opinion section, it’s my usual practice to furnish LJM a copy. But in my letters to Opinion the past few days, I could not explain why I did not copy furnish her anymore.

For the last time, I shall copy furnish LJM a letter—this one. To the Inquirer family, life goes on and memories of Letty J. Magsanoc will never die!

—MANUEL Q. BONDAD,
Makati City