So sad this news. Please share your thoughts.
By lexus54
@lexus54 (3572)
Singapore
June 7, 2007 3:07am CST
I just came home from a lunch appointment a short while ago. As I came into the apartment, my maid came crying to me and my wife. She related that when we were out, she received a call from home telling her that her dear grandfather had passed away. We were shell-shocked by the news, and all we could say to her was that we're sorry to hear about her grandfather's death. Her grandfather was very close to her. We know that because she mentioned him many times in our conversations. We nevertheless share in her sadness and loss. My wife and I are prepared to let her go back to the Philippines for the funeral if she wishes, and also perhaps give her some money to help her family out as a token of our condolence. Are we doing the right thing, or doing enough as her employer? What would you do if you were in our shoes?
2 people like this
6 responses
@tmlnmr (1850)
• Canada
12 Jun 07
Hey Lexus, it is obvious to me that it has been weighing on your heart to do this. Your wife is also in agreement with it so I say that as long as you can do it then go ahead! You are very loving people and you know what you want to do, you don't us to tell you what you should or should not do! If I were in that situation I would do just what I think you will and give them the money.
1 person likes this
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
12 Jun 07
Thanks for sharing. This occasion does give us the opportunity to demonstrate our compassion for someone who has to leave her home country in search of a better livelihood, and leaving loved ones behind. I'm sure you'd have the same compassion if you were in our shoes.
@maehan (1439)
• United States
13 Jun 07
Hello lexus54, your wife and you are a good employer. My auntie did the same thing to her indonesian maid when her family was tear down during the riot. Now, her maid is still with her, their relationship was pulled even closes. Her maid also help her in the volunteer job in old folks home. She had regard my auntie as her dear sister instead of employer. You are doing a great job and an excellent employer. She is lucky to be hired by you.
1 person likes this
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
13 Jun 07
Thanks for your encouragement. Your auntie also did the right thing. Her compassion shown to her maid has bonded their relationship even more, and that's great to know. For us, we have a very good and cordial relationship with our maid here. They live with us, and we need to treat them well if we want them to work well for us too. It's a reciprocal thing.
@inallduetime (741)
• United States
12 Jun 07
I think what you are doing is great. It is something she will surely remember you and your wife for. She will need the time and the money I'm sure, so your heart is absolutely in the right place. I would do the same thing, it is only human to show a little compassion for someone.
1 person likes this
@Woodpigeon (3710)
• Ireland
10 Jun 07
It sounds as though this woman is a part of your family, even though she is an employee. I think it is wonderful the way you are helping her during this difficult time. You are doing a very good thing! I would hope that I would do the same thing if the situation arose.
1 person likes this
@juline (77)
• Singapore
13 Jun 07
When my family lived in Taiwan, our maid's relative passed away as well. My parents paid for her trip back and back to Taiwan again, and also gave her a red packet (few hundred dollars).
@juline (77)
• Singapore
14 Jun 07
Hi...
Yes I'm in SG now... we don't have a maid anymore since my mom can do most of the stuff (she doesn't work). Besides, my sis and I are grown up now, we have our own place. :)
