Maricel grew up in Iloilo, where compassion seemed second nature to her. She cared for her younger siblings while her parents worked long hours in the rice fields. That early sense of responsibility inspired her to take up caregiving after high school. She enrolled in a short course, completed her certification, and began working in a private home. Though she found fulfillment in looking after the elderly, the pay was too small to sustain her growing family.
When a neighbor returned from Canada and shared stories about working there as a caregiver, Maricel’s heart leapt with hope. The salary, though hard-earned, was enough to cover not only daily needs but also long-term dreams like sending children to college. After much prayer and discussion with her husband, she decided to apply. The process was not easy medical exams, paperwork, endless interviews but finally, secured a contract.
Landing in Toronto during winter was both exciting and intimidating. The snow-covered streets were a wonder to her, but the cold pierced her bones. She moved into the home of her employer, an elderly couple who needed assistance with daily activities. Her tasks ranged from preparing meals, helping with mobility, administering medications, and simply offering companionship. At first, the couple were reserved, but over time, they grew to appreciate her patience and gentle care.
Each day started early, with Maricel carefully planning the couple’s meals according to their health requirements. She learned to cook dishes she had never tried before, like oatmeal with berries and baked salmon. In the afternoons, she would accompany them on short walks, pushing a wheelchair through the park, or reading aloud from their favorite books. Though the tasks were simple, she understood that the impact was profound she was not just caring for their bodies but also uplifting their spirits.
The most difficult part was being away from her own family. Maricel missed her children’s laughter, the way they hugged her tightly after school, and the small joys of being present in their everyday lives. Nights were the hardest, when she lay awake thinking about the birthdays and milestones she was missing. Video calls became her lifeline, her children’s voices fueling her determination to endure.
Despite the loneliness, Maricel found strength in her purpose. Her remittances helped pay off the family’s debts, cover school tuition, and even fund small home improvements. Each peso she sent home was more than money it was her sacrifice wrapped in love.
Over the years, Maricel built not just financial stability but also resilience. She learned tp adapt to a new culture, to embrace people from different walks of life, and to grow stronger in the face of distance. When she finally returned to the Philippines for a short visit, her children greeted her with tears of joy. For them, she was more than just a mother; she was a hero.
Maricel’s story is one of countless Filipino caregivers who pour their strength and compassion into a foreign land. Though she left her family behind, she knew that every meal prepared, every hand she held, and every elderly smile she nurtured was also building the foundation of her own children’s future.
