BEYOND TEARS AND DISTANCE

Beyond Tears and Distance

A story of sacrifice, resilience, and faith

Writing your own story is never easy. Where do you begin, when the past is filled with both joy and pain? Sometimes, you have to open old wounds—not to dwell in them, but to show how far you’ve come.

This is Grace’s journey.

A Simple Life, Until Everything Changed

Grace never dreamed of working overseas. She was happy with her life: her parents, her siblings, her loving husband, and their three children. Her husband, once an army officer, gave up his career to stay close to them. Their life was simple, but it was enough.

Until the day her small business collapsed—the family’s only source of income.

Suddenly, Grace faced a heartbreaking choice.

“I wasn’t sure what I was trying to fulfill, but I knew I had to secure my children’s future.”

Despite her husband’s resistance, Grace decided to work abroad.

Losing Her Mother

While waiting for her visa in Manila, her mother asked her to come home for just one week. Grace went, not knowing it would be her mother’s final call.

“Eksaktong isang linggo ako sa amin, nakita kong nagsuka si Mama ng dugo.”

At the hospital, the doctor declared her mother dead on arrival.

 “Naghisterikal ako at nakikiusap na ulit-ulitin nilang i-revive si Mama. My mother died in my arms. In her last breath, she looked at my father, at my younger sister, and then at me, as if she was saying, ‘Take care of your siblings.’”

It was at her mother’s burial that Grace received a call: her visa and plane ticket were ready. Her father begged her to stay. But as the eldest of six siblings, and a mother herself, she knew she had to go.

Hong Kong: A Harsh Beginning

On November 13, 2013, Grace arrived in Hong Kong with nothing but hope and prayers.

“First time kong mapalayo, as in milya-milya ang layo sa family ko. Ang takot at kaba ko ay sobra-sobra…”

She hoped for kindness from her employer, but reality was different. On her very first day, she was scolded—without guidance or explanation.

“Hindi ako sanay na sinisigawan… Every time she came home from work, I wanted to hide.”

The worst moment came at a restaurant, where Grace watched silently while her employer’s family ate.

 “I pitied myself. I had never experienced that kind of treatment. I wanted to cry, but I held back my tears.”

Alone at night, she questioned her decision. She felt ashamed to admit to her family that she was “just a helper.”

"Nahihiya akong sabihin at aminin sa family ko, sa mga kapatid ko at lalo na sa tatay ko na isa akong katulong dito sa Hong Kong. Kasi naman, pinag-aral ako at pinagtapos sa college ng tatay ko tapos Malalaman n'yang katulong ako. Masasaktan ang papa ko.

Finding Courage

After three long months, Grace finally spoke:

“Let me go back home. I’m not comfortable working with you. My parents always talked to me nicely and never shouted. I’m scared every time I see you.”

Her courage made a difference. From that day, her employer treated her better.

Grace stayed focused. On her rest days, she prayed, avoided unnecessary spending, and reminded herself of her goal: to stay for two years, save money, and rebuild a business back home.

 “A kind conversation can always bring good results.”

Beyond Tears and Distance

Two years later, her sacrifices had paid off. She supported her family’s needs, her husband bought a tricycle, and she had savings in the bank.

Grace’s story is not just about survival—it’s about purpose.

“Whatever happens, God has a reason. You must accept it positively.”

Her journey reminds us that even in the darkest times, love and faith can light the way forward.

A Note to Readers

This story is dedicated to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and every parent who has sacrificed comfort, distance, and even their own happiness for the sake of their family.

If you are far from home today, carrying both tears and dreams in your heart—may Grace’s journey remind you that you are never alone. Your sacrifices are not in vain, and your strength is an inspiration to many.

Keep the faith. Keep going. Someday, the distance will be bridged by the love that has always held your family together.

As an Overseas Filipino worker, What is your story?

Would you like to share your story to inspire others ?

Please comment down below or message me. 

About Me 

Hi, I’m Mari Felices. I write about love, heartbreak, and the quiet lessons life teaches us along the way. My words are pieces of my soul—sometimes poetic, sometimes raw, but always honest. If even one person finds comfort in my story, then my writing has done its purpose.