Marie Tillman at the Tillman Center

Pat Tillman’s widow, Marie Tillman and Anthony Robles are two unlikely people to connect in these circumstances. ASU News recently reported that both Marie Tillman, former wife of Pat Tillman, and Anthony Robles, ASU Wrestler & National Champion, recently spoke at an ASU Alumni event. The luncheon was moderated by Paola Boivin, Sports columnist for AZCentral.

Both Marie Tillman & Anthony Robles talked about their life experiences that led to newly published books.

Marie’s book, The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life  was published in June of 2012. It covers her long relationship with Pat, coming to terms with his death and starting over. The Letter refers to a “just-in-case” note that Pat left behind before going on his second tour in Afghanistan, where he was eventually killed by friendly fire.

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 The following are two excerpts from Pat’s letter:

“It’s difficult to summarize 10 years together, my love for you, my hopes for your future, and pretend to be dead all at the same time . . . I simply cannot put all this into words. I’m not ready, willing or able.”

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“I know someday you’ll have the life you dream …

And, I know this direction will ultimately lead to happiness.

However, despite what I know …

Regardless of our direction, dreams, or path …

I know we have each other and that I love you …

And that’s all I need to know.  – Pat”

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Three months after Marie’s book was released, Robles published his own book, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion. Marie Tillman & Anthony Robles were riding along the same plane.

ASU Alumni Anthony Robles

“I think people think my book is all about wrestling… That’s not so. There’s some funny moments in there, some things that I went through growing up”, Robles commented. “I’m just hoping that by someone picking up that book or handing it to someone, it’ll help them through that next challenge in their life.”

Marie Tillman spoke about how she looks to people like Anthony for her own inspiration, and how cool it is to have come full circle and make a difference in other people’s lives. About ASU she commented, “I think there’s a real part of (Pat) that still lives on here.” The Marie Tillman and Anthony Robles connection seemed so effortless and natural.

Robles also spoke about the university. “It’s just been an honor for me to have a relationship with Arizona State to where they support me in my speaking career and what I’m doing now, and I try to support with the things they’ve got going on with charities and the athletic teams. I’m going to be very tied-in with ASU for the rest of my life, as long as they’ll have me. I’m proud to be a Sun Devil .”

For more on Marie Tillman and Anthony Robles, here’s a bonus video… Anthony Robles on Ellen