My in-laws don’t
want me to remarry

Dear Tita,

My husband Sol was a die-hard motorcycle racing fan even when we were already married with two kids. We were still living with his parents as Sol was a college dropout and he couldn’t get a job. I kept nagging him to find a job as it was so difficult living with his parents and having to ask them for money for all our needs. But Sol was such an irresponsible guy that he was contented with our situation so he could indulge in his favorite sports.

One day I got the shock of my life when a friend of his called me up to inform me that Sol had a bad accident on his motorcycle and he was in the hospital. By the time we got there, it was too late – Sol had died on the operating table. My whole world collapsed. I couldn’t stop crying for days. My in-laws assured me that they would take care of me and my kids. I wasn’t too happy about this as they are not easy to get along with, but I had no choice. Two years passed and my kids were already in the elementary grades. An old officemate of mine called me asking if I wanted to go back to work and I said yes. My mother-in-law didn’t like the idea but I began working that week. A few months ago, I met Joel, a nurse from Iloilo. We hit it off right away and before long, we knew we were in love. He told me he was waiting for a chance to go abroad and work there as he couldn’t earn much here.

He said if things work out, he wanted to marry me and bring me and my kids to the States. When my in-laws heard about me and Joel, they got angry. They threatened me to stop all their financial support if I continue my relationship with Joel. I am now caught in a serious problem. My salary can’t support my kids’ education or even rent for our own place. Joel’s situation is still hanging in the air. What should I do? Should I give him up?

YOUNG WIDOW

Dear Young Widow,

Your in-laws are so heartless. They expect you to be a widow forever and they keep their financial support like a sword of Damocles hanging over your head. Too bad Joel’s status is still hanging in the air. Otherwise, he could marry you and you could live happily with him and your kids. The way it is now, you are totally dependent on your in-laws for all your needs. Try to have a heart-to-heart talk with them and let them understand that you are young, and you also need to have your own life to live. Hopefully, they might understand your situation and help you. Don’t lose hope. Someday you might find your happiness.

TITA