I have been living abroad for 10 years to support my children, but now I feel the need to return home.  However, my sons’ reaction when they learned of my decision completely shocked me. 

Over these years, I left my home, my family, and my friends to work abroad, sending all the money I earned to my children.  I only kept the essentials: just enough for food and housing.  Today, I am exhausted from living far away from home and I dream of returning to my homeland. I am no longer the energetic woman I once was.

Recently, I told my sons that I wanted to come back. I never imagined their reaction would be so shocking.

What should I do now? I need advice. 

Since the death of my husband, I raised my two children alone under very difficult circumstances. Poverty and loneliness were part of our daily life. I worked hard in a nursery with a modest salary, which barely covered our living expenses.

My children grew up, but the absence of their father weighed heavily on them. Later, when they started their own families, the situation became even more complicated for me. That’s when they suggested I go abroad to earn money and help them. They assured me it would only be temporary, for 2 or 3 years.

I left everything behind – my home, my friends, my memories – and I went with the hope of giving a better life to my family and myself.

For 10 years, I did the hardest jobs – cleaning and caring for an elderly person.

All the money I earned was sent to my children, and I kept only what I needed to live modestly.

Recently, on my birthday, I told them of my desire to return home. Their response completely shocked me. The older one said it wasn’t the right time, that he had debts, and he didn’t know how he would manage if I left.

I am struggling to accept this. At 60, I am no longer the person I used to be. I wanted to leave everything behind and return as soon as possible.

But the thought that no one was waiting for me at home plunged me into deep sadness.

What should I do now?