Expatriate Finds Home Abroad, Vows to Stay by Wife’s Side

By WPS News Staff Writer

Da Nang, Vietnam – June 11, 2025

In a serene coastal city far from the urban sprawl of the United States, an American expatriate has carved out a life defined by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his chosen home. James (name changed for privacy), 58, sits in his modest home overlooking the South China Sea, reflecting on a journey that has reshaped his sense of family, loss, and belonging. All personal details and locations have been altered to protect the privacy of those involved.

James and his wife, Linh, have built a life together that radiates warmth and devotion. “She’s my heart,” James says, his voice steady yet tender. “I’ve never loved anyone like I love her. She spoils me with her kindness, her spirit, and I do everything I can to make her happy.” Their bond, forged across cultural and linguistic divides, speaks to love’s power to bridge worlds. But their story carries a heavy shadow. Linh was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that strikes one in thirteen women, with a survival rate of roughly 40%. James, no stranger to the pain of cancer, bears the weight of this truth. “I know she won’t outrun it forever,” he says, his eyes fixed on the horizon. “But we have time, and I’m going to cherish every second.”

The couple’s life in Vietnam is a deliberate choice, one James has no intention of undoing. “The USA? It’s just a distant memory now,” he says. “This is my home. My dog’s here, my stepson’s here. I’m not going back.” His stepson, 16-year-old Minh (name changed for privacy), is a quiet presence in their household. Cultural and language barriers have made their connection a work in progress, but James is steadfast. “He’s my son,” he says simply. “That means everything.”

James’s resolve to stay in Vietnam is rooted in both love and inevitability. The friends he left behind in the States linger as a poignant memory. “I miss them,” he admits, “but they’re there, and I’m here. That’s the reality I’ve accepted.” When Linh’s battle with cancer eventually ends, as James knows it will, he plans to remain. “I’ll be laid to rest next to her,” he says, his voice firm. “This is my place.”

The shadow of loss looms, but James is certain of one thing: there will be no one else. “I’ve found my one,” he says. “True love doesn’t happen twice. Even if this disease cuts it short, I’m grateful I found her.”

As dusk settles over Da Nang, James walks his dog along the shore, a daily ritual that anchors him in the moment. He speaks of Linh’s courage, her defiant joy despite her illness, and the life they’ve crafted together. For James, the future lies here, in his wife’s laughter, his stepson’s quiet presence, and the loyal companionship of his dog. The United States may fade into a curiosity, but this corner of Vietnam—where love and loss intertwine—will forever be his home.