An OFW's Homecoming - A Sad Story

Almost a week ago, I chanced upon a Facebook stat post of friends extending condolences to an equally dear friend of mine. Immediately there after I sent her a message. Today, I received an email from my dear friend Beng confirming the sad news. I would like to thank Beng for unselfishly sharing her story to us.

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hi cie.i was in pinas for 10 days.got back here in dubai last fri evening.to answer your question, i wrote something which i'd like to share with you so u can post in your blog , if ok lang. Sensya na di nko nakapag inform,lutang na e. Jejo and winnie were there btw.I want to share this to all OFW family's out there coz it's the worst thing that can happen to somebody away from home.
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This is written in the hope of reminding all OFW’s to always cease the chance in telling our love ones back home how much they mean to us while they can still hear and appreciate it.


By:Beng Castillo
Dubai based OFW



An OFW’S homecoming.

There are things that happen in one’s life that leave them scarred forever. October 25,2009 was the day i will never forget. As I was busy with office work here in dubai, a family friend told me to call my brother in Phil’s. Immediately my heart started to pound, I knew something was wrong. First thing I did was to ask friends from church who were online at the time to intercede for me—I could feel my heart beat as I type the message. I prayed before I dialed my brother’s number. I got a busy tone so I called my mother instead and heard her crying on the other end. I remained calm & asked her to pass the phone to my eldest brother.

I strongly believe in the power of prayer, even if I knew something serious has happened I know God is in control…but nothing prepared me for what I was about to hear. My kuya managed to tell me what happened in between sobs-tatay was rushed to the hospital because he was having a hard time breathing and was supposed to be transferred to the city hospital when while he was being loaded in the ambulance, he had a stroke and was being revived the time I called. I remember begging my brother to put the phone in my father’s ear so I can talk to him which he did, I remember telling him to still bring him to the city hospital where can get better care, I remember telling my mother to stay beside tatay and not to stop praying. What happened next was a blur…

My tatay has been battling diabetes and other complications for the past years. Although he’s been in and out of the hospital all those times, by God’s grace he manage to pull through and was even looking forward to seeing me and my brother (both dubai based) for Christmas. He is well and his usual self whenever I call to check on him these past 2 months.

After almost an hour, he died surrounded by my family & his siblings.

I felt empty, the pain was unbearable. I never imagined it could hurt this much, as if a part of me has died with him. I cried because I was far away instead of near my tatay, holding his hand and telling him how much I love him. I cried because I was deprived of the chance to see him, hug him and take care of him. I cried because I have been preparing for my homecoming this Christmas to be with him. I have been learning how to cook & bake-planning on giving him a foot spa etc. It was supposed to be the best christmas ever , all for him. I cried because I am an OFW and the senselessness of being one dawned on me. I felt my sacrifices were all in vain. That every fils I earn is equal to the time away from my famiy, senseless & painful when you are at this point. It’s the worst thing that can happen to an OFW and wouldn’t wish it on anybody.
In the end, there’s nothing left to do but succumb to God’s will. For with Him everything happens for a reason. I am humbled by His grace, He gave my father a peaceful death, He surrounded me with a strong support group and comforted my whole family. He sent angels (friends & relatives) to help us bid him a peaceful and orderly goodbye.

I had the best tatay for 38 years and I know I will never stop missing and loving him. May God continue to comfort my family as we start a new life without him but keeping with us his legacy—to love and care for one another .

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