Embracing a new chapter of life as my longtime caregiver bids farewell

Tomorrow evening, my longtime caregiver, Glenda, will leave her job after 18 years and 10 months of faithfully serving our family here in Singapore. She’ll be returning to the Philippines to be reunited with her husband and three daughters, whom she hasn’t seen regularly for the past eight and a half years.

Her departure fills me with a whirlwind of emotions: immense gratitude for the crucial role she’s played since I was 10, a deep sense of loss at saying goodbye to someone so central to my life, and profound guilt for the toll my health crises have taken on her well-being.

Glenda has supported me through significant health challenges, including two bouts of pneumonia, one of which nearly claimed my life, and a terrifying near-death experience with dengue in 2022.

She also stood by me through severe depressive episodes, fueled by my struggles while living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the associated neuropsychiatric conditions of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Caregiving is an incredibly demanding job, and Glenda has faced chronic physical and emotional stress due to her unwavering dedication. Unfortunately, this stress has taken a toll on her own health, leading to chronic pain, hypertension, and anxiety.

For those of us who depend on others for daily care, it’s crucial to recognize the immense toll of this job. My condition doesn’t just affect me; it also has a profound impact on those around me.

Despite the impending separation, I’m grateful for Glenda’s unwavering dedication. She could have left during the last two years when she was experiencing caregiver burnout. However, she chose to stay, ensuring a smooth transition for me. Her resilience and strength in the face of such challenges are genuinely inspiring.

Tomorrow will mark the end of a significant chapter and the start of a new one. As I prepare to turn 30 next year, a milestone that carries deeper meaning for those living with Duchenne, I’ve had to confront and accept this inevitable parting.

These final two years with Glenda have provided the closure I needed to acknowledge the necessity of this transition. It’s a new beginning — a chance for personal growth and a brighter future.

Glenda arrived at our doorstep as a vibrant 34-year-old woman. She returns as a proud grandmother, sacrificing nearly two decades for our family. I feel deeply guilty about her sacrifices, yet I’m also profoundly grateful for every moment.

Thank you, Glenda, for everything. You’ve shaped my life in more ways than I can express. I will miss you dearly, but you deserve this joyful reunion with your loved ones. Here’s to our new chapters! I promise to embrace mine with optimism, resilience, and the enduring strength you’ve shown me.

I look forward to the future with hope and anticipation.

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