Tell Me Pastor

Desert Rose

DEAR PASTOR,

I am writing to you concerning a young lady. If you were to ever place your eyes upon her, you would see why God laid it on her mother's heart to give her such a most appropriate name ­- for she is truly as beautiful as a rose.

Unfortunately, a most tragic situation tore us apart and it appears that I may forever be resigned to the fact that I will have to blow a kiss to what might have been. However, ebbing the optimist that I am, I have never given up hope that one day I will be reunited with this love of my life. My spirit has directed me to send this correspondence to you, so I humbly ask for your assistance in this urgent matter.

Sycamore tree

I met Rose in 1996 at Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay, and ironically, it was under a sycamore tree. I never believed in love at first sight or in the idea of one having a soul mate. Upon meeting her however, I had to concur with a late great poet who once said: "Only themselves and only those like themselves, understand themselves, as souls only understand souls." Our relationship became a romance that one only reads about in novels. After we met, I visited the island so frequently to be with her that I decided to take up residence there ­ a second home.

In 2000, I flew to Kingston not for vacation but for a reason that made me find myself in a most precarious situation which required my immediate departure from the United States. I was wanted for what the U.S. government called "using weapons of mass destruction that resulted in death". Rose and I met with each other but I did not inform her of the circumstances that were surrounding me at the time. Not knowing what the future held and knowing the love I possessed for her, I decided to purchase a ring so that we could get married. I had planned to surprise her upon her return trip from Germany, but I did not get to as I was eventually apprehended by the authorities.

Pastor, the times after my arrest were most tumultuous. I was facing the federal death penalty for a crime I did not commit. I was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. It was only through God's grace that I did not receive the death penalty and that circumstances are finally beginning to take a turn for the better.

I can honestly say that there has never been a love like this since Sheba and Solomon. Rose has been on my mind for the past five years. As I stated previously, I have never given up hope that someday we will be reunited.

I attempted to contact old friends of mine from Jamaica, but the authorities took most of my possessions including those that had addresses and telephone numbers. Through my persistence I was able to find out something that filled my heart with joy, and yet it saddened me at the same time. I found out that there is a strong indication that Rose may have been pregnant and that she has a child that might be mine.

Wealthy man

Before this incident, I was a very wealthy man and I must find a way to contact Rose so that the remnants of what I possess can be left to her and the child. It is my only wish that I pray will be granted. Kind Sir, please print this letter so that Rose or someone who knows her could contact me. The majority of her family lives in Kingston and I am positive that if one of them reads this letter, they will know how to contact her so that she may know that I am well and that I can know she is in good health. I am well known in Montego Bay and many people know me as 'Sink' from Chicago, or 'Rose's man'.

I have never been one to shun from my responsibilities and I am sure you will agree that I should not turn my back on them. Even from behind these walls, I can still do my part. If you can assist me, I will be able to finally have the peace of mind I need so that I can finish this life sentence with as much dignity as possible.

S.L., Virginia, U.S.A

Dear S.L.,

Thank you very much for your letter. If Rose or anyone else contacts me, I will inform you. I hope while you are in prison, you will write a novel. You are a talented young man.

Pastor