A Heartfelt Letter from a Grieving Young Woman
A 22-year-old Filipina named Maricel from northern Philippines has reached out to columnist Papa Joe in a deeply emotional letter published on November 13, 2025, seeking clarity and comfort after the tragic loss of her close friend.
In her heartfelt message, Maricel describes her friend as an exceptionally kind person who consistently spoke about God's words and aspired to become a pastor someday. The sudden nature of his passing has left her and many others mourning, while raising difficult questions about life's fairness.
The Painful Questions of Loss
Maricel expresses the emotional turmoil many face when confronting unexpected tragedy. "Sometimes I ask why this had to happen," she writes, "why good people are taken while abusive and corrupt politicians continue to live happily."
Her anguish is palpable as she describes the tightness in her chest, particularly because the young man held a special place in her heart. The letter captures the universal struggle of making sense of loss when it seems to defy logic or justice.
Papa Joe's Compassionate Response
In his reply, Papa Joe acknowledges that there are no perfect human answers to such profound questions. While many might offer the traditional response that "only God knows," he provides a more human-centered perspective.
He suggests that perhaps her friend had completed his mission on earth and was needed by the Creator. Papa Joe notes that good people often depart early to protect them from the corruption and evil that prevails in our world.
However, he offers a balanced view by reminding Maricel that many wicked people also die, but we simply don't notice or value their passing because we didn't know them personally.
Finding Gratitude Amid Grief
The columnist encourages Maricel to focus on being thankful for the experience of knowing such a good person. Not everyone is blessed to have friends or loved ones of such high character, he notes.
Papa Joe concludes with a philosophical reflection that we are all just passing through this world, with the only uncertainty being when our time will come. His response blends spiritual comfort with practical wisdom, offering solace while acknowledging the pain of loss.
The exchange highlights the importance of emotional support systems in Filipino culture and how traditional advice columns continue to provide comfort to those grappling with life's most challenging questions.
