A forty-year-long correspondence with a pen pal provided a record of the remarkable life of Mercedes Marin-a Filipino woman who overcame a Cinderella-like childhood and adolescence to elope with her prince charming, raise a family, and touch the lives of in-laws, friends, and servants. Dear Annette, Love, Mercy is more than just an autobiography. It is a guide to how to live a good life by developing good qualities. One of these qualities, Mercy, is the author's nickname. Each chapter chronicles her life from childhood, adolescence, education, career, marriage, the war years, and so on and exhibits other qualities such as generosity, helpfulness in teaching others to better themselves, and frankness and straightforwardness in dealing with people's hypocrisy. Her quick wit is also to be commended. Written by Mercy's daughter, Ginny, from her letters, this book is a loving testament to a parent that will inspire readers to improve their lives.