Far Away, But Close at Heart

Today was a big day for my family back home—my oldest daughter graduated from senior high school and her younger sister moved up from junior high. I should have been there, cheering loudly, clapping, and maybe shedding a few tears of joy. But here I am, thousands of miles away, glued to a screen trying to catch every moment.

I know exactly how this feels because I’ve been in their shoes. I graduated from sixth grade and then from high school, with my own mother far away in another country, working hard just like I am now. Back in those days, we didn’t have all this technology. My mom in KSA and us in Philippines would wait weeks, sometimes months, to hear from each other through letters that took forever to arrive. Each word was precious, each faded photograph a treasure, because sending them cost so much.

I often think about how hard it must have been for my mom, how her heart must have ached to be away from us. There was no way to make a quick call or send a message saying “I miss you” or “I’m proud of you.” But despite all that, her love always reached us, quiet and steady, across the miles.

Now, even with all the ways we can connect instantly, I find myself wondering about my daughters’ feelings on their special day. Did they look out into the crowd wishing I was there? Did they feel that pang of sadness amidst their joy?

Seeing them today, so grown up and stepping forward into new chapters of their lives, filled me with pride but also a deep, unshakeable longing to be with them. I wanted to hold them, to tell them right then and there how proud I am, how they mean the world to me.

Every milestone they reach is a reminder of why I’m here, so far from home—working not for myself, but for them, to give them chances and opportunities I never had. But it doesn’t make missing these moments any easier. It’s a sacrifice that weighs heavily on my heart, a choice that comes with its own pain and regret.

To my dear daughters, if someday you read this, know that my heart was with you every second today. I may not have been there to throw my arms around you, but in every cheer, every applause that filled the air, my love was whispering alongside, just as strong, just as proud.

To other parents out there, feeling the ache of distance, let’s remind ourselves why we do this. It’s for those smiles, those achievements, for the futures we dream of for our children. And hold onto the hope that soon, we’ll be celebrating together—not just through a screen, but in person, feeling the warmth of a hug, the joy of being close.

And though today I celebrate from afar, I dream of all the tomorrows we will share. Each day apart is hard, but every reunion will be sweeter for it. This journey of being an OFW is tough, made of sacrifices and silent tears, but it is also built on love—a love that knows no bounds, no distance, too great to overcome.

As I close this chapter of today, I look forward to the day when distance is just a word, not a barrier, and I can be there to share in every joy, every success, every moment that matters, together.

I love you girls and thank you for making me proud.