Jocelyn grew up in Davao, the eldest among seven siblings. From a young age, she was used to caring for children first her won brothers and sisters, and later her neighbor’s kids whenever their parents were away. After finishing high school, she dreamed of becoming a teacher, but financial struggles pushed her to work instead. When her own children were born, her dreams grew bigger; she wanted them to finish school and have the opportunities she never had.
When a recruiter offered her a chance to work in Kuwait as a nanny, Jocelyn felt torn. The idea of leaving her young children behind to take care of someone else’s was painful. But with her husband’s small income as a mechanic barely covering their needs, Jocelyn decided to make the sacrifice. She told herself, I will leave for a while so that my kids will never have to.
Arriving in Kuwait was a whirlwind of emotions. The house she worked in was spacious and filled with the chatter of three energetic children. Her tasks seemed endless preparing meals, helping with homework, playing with the little ones, and ensuring they were safe and happy while their parents were at work. At first, the children were hesitant, crying whenever she tried to comfort them. Jocelyn felt like an outsider.
But her natural warmth soon broke through their resistance. She sang lullabies, taught them simple games, and patiently guided them through their routines. Slowly, the children began to run to her when they needed comfort, hugging her tightly when she tucked them into bed. Though it warmed her heart, it also reminded her painfully of her own kids back home, who longed for her embrace.
Every night, after finishing her duties, Jocelyn would sit in her small room and call her family. She would listen to her children’s stories how her eldest won a school award, how her youngest learned to ride a bike. She celebrated their milestones from afar, her laughter masking the tears that quietly fell.
Despite the loneliness, Jocelyn found purpose in her work. Her employers noticed her dedication and began to treat her with kindness. They gave her days off, allowed her to send gifts back home, and trusted her fully with their children. For Jocelyn, that trust was a blessing, proof that she was not only doing her job but also making a difference in the children’s lives.
Her sacrifices bore fruit. With the money she sent home, her family managed to build a sturdier home, and her children stayed in school. Her husband often told her, Your work here keeps our family’s dreams alive. Those words fueled her determination to endure.
After six years, Jocelyn returned home for good. The reunion at the airport was filled with tears, laughter, and tight embraces. Her children, now grown, clung to her as if they were little again. Seeing them healthy, educated, and grateful made every sacrifice worth it.
Jocelyn’s journey as a nanny was not just about caring for children abroad. It was about resilience, love, and the quiet strength of a mother willing to endure distance and heartache for her family’s future. She may have been a second mother to another household, but in truth, she remained the first and strongest mother her own children could ever have.
