Letter from James Filiaggi

[carolinem]

I received a letter from Fili which by a strange coincidence, considering it was international mail, arrived yesterday, the day of his execution. As usual Fili sent me some jokes and recipes along with his warm and caring letter, in which he reassured me that he was ready to die if the execution went ahead. Although there had been some last minute attempts to obtain a stay, I already knew after speaking to him a few days ago that he did not believe that his execution would be stayed, and that he was ready to go.

I'd like to share with you a few words from Fili's letter.

"Don't worry abot me b/c I'm right with the Lord and know where I am going. Granted I don't want to leave my kids, but we all have to go sometime, some just a little sooner than others. I do know where I am going and can't wait to get there and start my next life. Death isn't the end, but rather the beginning of something new and wonderful. One very good reason why people who are right with the Lord and themselves shouldn't worry about it. Thank you for your prayers and concern."

Caroline M

[MXB]

Thank you for sharing this with us Caroline.

[bcisaac]

ive only just joined this web site and i cant tell you enough how happy its made me. my name is billie and i used to be jimmys pen-pal for bout 3 years.unfortunately i lost contact with him back in 2002 or so.even though he was always on my mind, i never made the effort to get back in contact with him and i will forever be sad about that. jimmy always made me smile with his jokes and as a friend was always there for me..even though we had never met,it was as if we knew each other for years.the letter you shared...wow...brings back memories of the man i used to know and love. i wish i could tell him how sorry i am for abandoning him. it makes me sad.its nice to know he had people who loved him by his side. thank you for sharing his letter.

[carolinem]

Thank you for joining us here Billie, and thanks so much for your post. It is always good to hear some positive feedback. I want you to know that Fili had many friends who loved him and that he was not only ready to go but that he died surrounded by love.....Caroline