'I fell in love with an OFW'

Dear Tita,

My husband was laid off from his job because their company was bankrupt. He tried to find another job right away but it was no use. In desperation, I decided to leave for abroad to work as an OFW so our three kids could continue their studies. It was a major decision on my part and my husband tried to dissuade me from it but my mind was made up. I left for abroad with a heavy heart.

Being away from my family was very painful for me. I missed them so much that I cried myself to sleep every night. My co-workers tried to cheer me up by taking me around the big malls to shop. It was at a camera shop that I met Rod, a Filipino OFW.

He asked me to pose for his new camera as he wanted to test it. I did and that started our friendship. Rod told me that he was from Tagbilaran where his wife and kids were. Soon I wasn't as lonely anymore as Rod went out of his way to amuse me. After a while, we realized that we were falling in love. I tried to resist but it was impossible to ignore my feelings for him.

I felt guilty as I knew I was cheating on my husband. Rod was very kind to me. He showered me with attention and gifts. Every time I got in touch with my husband on the telephone, I kept telling him how much I missed him and the kids. He was missing me so much that he cried on the phone. I felt so bad about lying to him.

After my contract expired I decided to come back home. Rod came with me on the plane to Manila. It was there that he told me he wanted to leave his wife for me. He asked me to do the same and we would be together for good. On the flight to Bacolod, I kept wondering how I could leave my family even though I knew I was in love with Rod.

Being with my husband and kids was such a happy moment for me. My husband took very good care of the kids while I was away. He is such a good man that I realized how foolish I was for cheating on him. I vowed to be the best wife and mother I could be.

Rod keeps texting me asking me when we can be together. I texted him that it is over between us and that I decided to stay with my husband. Rod was so angry. He told me he will come to Bacolod to talk to me. He said he will never let me go. What should I do?

REGRETFUL WIFE

Dear Regretful Wife,

It is very difficult to go abroad and leave your family behind. The loneliness can play havoc on your emotions. You were indeed very foolish to succumb to temptation abroad. You forgot your responsibilities as a wife and a mother. But now you realized how wrong you have been. That is good. It's time you wake up to reality. Your family is your reality. Try to convince Rod how futile it is for him to come to Bacolod. Tell him you have made up your mind and nothing can change it. Hopefully, he will respect your wishes. I hope your letter will be a lesson for those planning to go abroad to work.

TITA

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