Hajji Alejandro's partner recalls spending last 8 days of his life with him: 'You knew you were leaving us soon'
The longtime partner of OPM icon Hajji Alejandro penned a heartfelt letter to him on April 22, their 27th anniversary and also the day his death was announced.
"My love, we spent the last 8 days of your life together," Alynna Velasquez wrote in a Facebook post. "I am grateful to your kids Ali and Rachel for reaching out to me. I have been waiting. I think of you every hour of every day."
Velasquez noted that Alejandro was dealing with metastatic colon cancer, stage 4, for two months.
"You refused another trip to the hospital and chose palliative care instead, in the comforts of your home, in the company of people you love. You knew you were leaving us soon," she said.
Velasquez said she and Alejandro listened to their favorite songs together and had tears in their eyes.
Though Alejandro's cancer affected his voice since it constricted his respiratory system, Velasquez noted that she felt his love "even without words."
"And despite the pain, restlessness, and hallucinations, you tried to hold my hand," she added.
Velasquez said she whispered to Alejandro, "Go with God. I love you so much. See you in my dreams."
"No more pain, love. Just pure bliss with our Heavenly Father," she said.
She also confirmed that Alejandro died on April 21.
"In your final hours, you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and His promise of eternal life in His Presence," she said. "Love ko... you tried to hold on... you know it is our special day today. But your human body gave up on you. Thank you... thank you for your love."
Once again referring to the date, Velasquez greeted Alejandro a happy 27th anniversary.
"See you in God's time," she said. "I love you eternally."
In a March interview with broadcaster Julius Babao, Velasquez said Alejandro learned about his cancer when he felt bloated and couldn't breathe or eat at one point. She urged him to visit his doctor. At first, he couldn't believe the diagnosis, but eventually came to terms with it, though fearful about it.
Alejandro's operation turned out okay, but he had seizures three days after and had to be rushed to the hospital. Doctors found that infection had spread and he had to be moved to the intensive care unit.
His respirator was removed after a week, according to Velasquez. He was soon able to talk, was moved to a regular room, and was ultimately brought home to undergo therapy.
Alejandro's family announced his death in a statement shared by Girlie Rodis, the manager of Alejandro's daughter Rachel, on April 22.
He was married twice, first to the mother of Rachel and “sexy chef” Barney Alejandro, and second to the late Rio Diaz with whom he has a son, singer Ali. His last relationship was with Velasquez.
