THE final heart-breaking letter sent by murdered James Foley to his family has
been revealed by his mum and dad.
In it, the kidnapped US journalist told how he struggled to get through the
“dark days” after being seized by Islamic State monsters.
James, 40, said he “yearned for freedom” and would make up games with fellow
captives to try to pass the time.
And he spoke of how he held his family close to his heart while he was locked
up in Syria.
James asked a friend to commit the letter to memory after having other letters
taken away by his captors.
The letter in full
Dear Family and Friends,
I remember going to the mall with Dad, a very long bike ride with Mum. 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