#PlsSaveMe – Overcoming Extreme Challenges In Life

Turning to God and Family for Help

Life is never easy. At one way or the other, challenges will come our way and we’ll have to face those challenges. Only two things may happen. Either we break down or fall apart from the pressures of those challenges or we rise above it and emerge victorious.

Elena, a 52-year old former OFW in Japan and a resident of Bacolod City, shares her story and how her belief in God and her family’s love for her was able to keep her going in spite of all the hardships she has had to go through.

“I’m a single parent of 2 kids from an earlier relationship. In 1997, I worked in Japan as an entertainer to be able to sustain my children and help my 12 siblings. I was able to build a house for my family and help some of my nieces and nephews. But in 2006, I decided to go back to the Philippines for good because of the ban on entertainers.

Soon after, I met a businessman and we got married. He too has 2 children from a previous relationship. We put up a business in Laguna which is a resort with hot spring. As our business grew, my husband started womanizing. There were times that he’ll no longer go home. I remember seeing him in a restaurant with his mistress and because I was so angry, I assaulted the woman — and this was the beginning of our court cases. I also discovered that my husband is married to another woman and that their marriage hasn’t been annulled yet. His mistress filed a criminal case against me and the bigamy case I filed against him is still in court.

During the time my husband started womanizing, our financial difficulties arose. He has loaned a big amount of money which I thought was for our business. It turned out that he was spending all of it on his mistress. I was shocked when I found out that he was able to build a house for her and bring her to different trips, both here and abroad. It was really hard for me that I suffered from depression and later on was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My husband and I have finally decided to sell our conjugal properties and divide the money. We had such a hard time paying our debts (from the loans he acquired). Since we’re separated and there’s no chance of reconciliation, I decided to go back here in Bacolod and live with my siblings for good. My family is my support system. They’ve always been there to help me, may it be physically, emotionally, and financially. When I started living here, I had no choice but to spend the money I got from the division of properties. I have so many expenses, especially with my cancer treatment (medicines, chemotherapy, check-up, surgery etc.). I’m also paying for the court fees for the ongoing court cases. Then there are the house expenses, etc.

I know that I’ll be able to survive all these in the end. I’m offering everything to God and I know He’ll never leave me but instead will help me. I’m also grateful that I have my sisters who’re here to help and support me through thick and thin.”

Elena’s story is indeed heart-breaking. The stuff you thought you’d only see in teleseryes. I applaud her for being a strong woman and for not giving up on life. Others would have folded. I’m glad that she sees the light at the end of the tunnel. As long as God and her family are with her, she’ll endure and overcome everything.

Let’s all be like Elena and always have faith. Let’s not lose hope easily but instead be as strong as we can be.