The last time I cried was when many of you were still babies. Over 40 years ago. Long time. That's why when I read @surpassinggoogle's challenge to write down something about what has brought me to tears I knew it was not for me. But I had an inspiration today and I thought I'll write about it under the tag teardrops as I feel this is where this article belongs. I hope you all like this.

Source

Leaving for the airport.

As I was walking home this morning from jogging I chanced upon a parked taxi with two smartly dressed women loading their suitcases onto the taxi's trunk. They were obviously going to the airport. They also had OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) written all over their faces. Suddenly, from out of the open gate of the house a little girl of maybe 2 years came running out screaming, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" The little girl had anguish, frustration, desperation and tears all over her face as she tried to reach out with both hands for her mother. Her mom was leaving and she was in a state of panic. Hands restrained her as she continued her outburst. I looked over the ladies and noticed none of them ventured a look at the girl. I could see the tightening muscles of one of the ladies' face and I realized, she was the mother. Her face remained passive, or so she thought. But one can feel the emotions raging inside her. It was the same as that of her baby girl. But she had to be strong and not break down herself. The tears can come later. On the way to the airport. My heart went out to them as I shed an invisible tear for both mom and daughter. The girl will be a year older when she sees her mom again.

The airport.

This must be the one place on earth where tears are shed the most. I remember one motivational seminar I attended years ago. Our facilitator was discussing about words and emotional responses when he asked the participants for a show of hands who were spouses of OFW's. A few hands went up. Then he asked them what their response to the word airport was. Silence. Then one participant began crying uncontrollably. Between sobs and heaves she finally explained that her husband just left for Saudi the day before and they had a very teary farewell. Soon all the spouses began admitting that the word airport was the most hated but also the most loved for them. It elicited both extreme sadness and joy to them. Sadness and helplessness whenever their partners depart for the country of work but then unbridled joy when they arrive. Through all these emotional roller coaster rides the tears were always free flowing.

The Arrival at Country of Work

The tears don't end at the airport. Once abroad, OFW's suffer the pangs of loneliness. Homesick to the max. Alone in their employers houses or offices, they work long hours and sleep less. Some are mistreated, abused, raped, and underpaid. But they bear all these and their loneliness for the sake of their families who are the very reason they are there in the first place. Tears would readily come whenever they talk to their families over Skype or Messenger or Viber, all the hardship forgotten during those conversations and the resolve to bear the hardship taking on a renewed vigor. What they earn, they remit back to their loved ones, sometimes leaving almost nothing for themselves just to make sure the family is provided for sufficiently. For the more fortunate ones who earn big salaries, their loneliness deadened by the thickness of their wallets and bank accounts, are still not immune to shedding tears now and then when they learn about family problems such as a son becoming wayward or going out with friends with bad habits and vices. The helplessness and impotency of being away and unable to guide their families personally most often bring them to tears.

Heading home.

Vacation or end of contract is the most anticipated time of the OFW's. All the sufferings they have endured during their stint abroad is about to end, at least temporarily, and they all look forward to seeing their families. But another kind of tears are about to be shed. This time tears of frustration when they enter the Philippines and the vultures in the Customs begin asking them for this and that, taxing them for expensive items they bring in. After everything these people have gone through they have to suffer this. Good thing our Mayor President understands our OFW's better than his predecessor and ordered the Customs officials to stop messing around with them. When they arrive home, relatives, friends and neighbors begin lining up for goodies and pasalubongs and balatos without thought or care for their miseries and trials abroad. Oh the insensitivity of so many people.

Home at last.

Everybody is happy now that mom or dad is home. But before they know it, time's nearly up and the cycle will now have to begin again.

The tears never stop.

To the true heroes of our country. The OFW's. May you always find the strength and determination to persevere with your plight. You are greatly admired and respected.

Disclaimer: Airport and OFW pictures are not mine. Source is Philippine Government Media Publication.