DEAR READERS,
“Adieu, my little doll. I see you sleeping. I am with you at your deathbed. You are wearing a long tunic, black and red, with embroidery on the top. They are flowers, I believe, but I am not looking at them. (…) I do not look at the flowers, but at your face. And I think that you are beautiful, perhaps more beautiful than ever before. I also think that for the first time in your life, I see you serene and at peace. It’s as if a gentle hand has wiped away all the turmoil and fears from your face.”
So begins one of the most famous love letters, written by Alain Delon to the love of his life, Romy Schneider.
By then, she had already passed away.
A Love That Stood the Test of Time
It was a romance that transcended the silver screen and touched real life. Alain Delon and Romy Schneider met in 1958 on the set of Christine. The connection between the rebellious, charismatic Frenchman and the elegant, vulnerable Austrian ignited a love story marked by passion, drama, and darkness.
Already a star thanks to her role as Empress Sissi, Romy Schneider was looking to escape the confining roles that restricted her artistic potential. Delon, a rising actor with untamed energy, seemed like the perfect counterpoint. Initially describing him as “too handsome, too young, too arrogant,” Schneider soon fell into a love that quickly became legendary. Together, they moved to Paris, where their apartment became a hub for the creative elite.
Highs and Lows of an Unforgettable Romance
Delon was more than just a handsome man; he was a force of nature. As his career skyrocketed, Schneider struggled with the darker sides of fame. Their relationship was marked by passionate highs and emotional lows, fueled by rumors of affairs and Delon’s wild lifestyle.
In 1964, their love ended abruptly. Now a European star, Delon ended the relationship with a brief, cold letter: “I’m sorry. I know I would have made you unhappy. I’m leaving for Mexico with Nathalie. All the best!” The world was shocked, and Schneider was devastated. Shortly afterward, Delon married the pregnant Nathalie Barthélémy, while Schneider sought solace in a marriage to German actor Harry Meyen.
A Life Marked by Loss and Pain
But as with the greatest love stories, their ending wasn’t truly final. In 1968, Delon brought Schneider back into his life—professionally. For the film La Piscine, he pushed for her to co-star. Filming became a bittersweet reunion. On-screen, their chemistry sizzled; behind the scenes, their past passion evolved into a lasting friendship. Schneider later said, “The most important man in my life will always be Alain. He was always there when I needed him.”
Life after Delon brought Schneider a series of heartbreaks. Her marriage to Meyen ended in divorce. Her second husband, Daniel Biasini, brought her a daughter, Sarah, but this relationship also collapsed. In 1979, Meyen took his own life—a tragedy that plunged Schneider into a spiral of depression and alcohol.
The darkest chapter came in 1981, when her 14-year-old son David died in a tragic accident. Already fragile, Schneider couldn’t recover from the loss. Just months later, in May 1982, she was found dead in her Paris apartment. Officially, it was a heart attack, but many believe her broken heart truly claimed her.
A Farewell That Never Ends
When Delon learned of Schneider’s death, he rushed to Paris. He stood by her casket and wrote her one final letter—this time filled with love and regret. “I hopelessly fell in love with you. And you with me. My God, how young and happy we were. Then life separated us—but never really.”
Nearly 40 years later, on what would have been her 80th birthday, Delon reminded the world of her significance. In a letter published in Le Figaro, he urged her fans to honor her memory: “Romy Schneider, my Rosemarie, would have turned 80 today. Those who loved her and still love her, let’s celebrate her.”
Delon himself passed away in 2024 at the age of 88. In his later years, he frequently spoke of Schneider’s impact on his life. Despite his reputation as a heartbreaker, she remained the woman who shaped him. Their shared legacy lives on through their films, especially La Piscine, a timeless portrait of two people who loved, lost, and never truly let go of one another.
What Can We Learn From This?
Farewell letters are deeply personal messages that transcend death, offering comfort, clarity, and a sense of connection to loved ones. They allow for the sharing of unspoken words, expressions of gratitude, and reconciliation. But how can one craft a farewell letter that is both authentic and comforting?
Writing a Farewell Letter: Steps and Guidance
Finding the Right Moment
There is no perfect time to write a farewell letter. Some feel compelled during times of serious illness, while others wish to ensure their loved ones know their final thoughts in the event of an unexpected passing. The key is to feel ready and to have the quiet needed to organize your thoughts.
Authenticity and Honesty
A farewell letter should reflect your true emotions. Avoid clichés and write from the heart. Share cherished memories and speak openly about your feelings. Honesty creates a deeper connection and helps your loved ones understand your thoughts.
Structuring the Letter
- Greeting: Begin with a personal salutation, formal or informal depending on your relationship.
- Introduction: Explain why you are writing and what you wish to convey.
- Main Body: Share memories, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, or offer it yourself. Include your hopes for your loved ones’ future.
- Closing: End with loving words and a final farewell.
Expressions of Gratitude
Use the letter to thank your loved ones for their support, love, and shared experiences. Gratitude can help them preserve positive memories and process their loss more easily.
Final Thoughts: A Farewell Letter as a Lasting Gift
A farewell letter is a precious gift to your loved ones. It provides an opportunity to share final words, make peace, and leave a lasting connection. By putting your thoughts and emotions on paper, you create a keepsake that offers comfort and guidance in their grief.
If you’re unsure how to begin or have questions about other ways to say goodbye, please visit our contact page. We’re here to help you find a thoughtful and personal solution.
