Christine Fadriga, a 59-year-old caregiver from the Philippines, shares her profound experiences of dedicating nearly two decades to caring for others in the United States. Her journey began with a difficult decision to leave her young children behind to provide them with better opportunities. Fadriga’s latest client, Bette Rosen, passed away after six years of devoted care, leaving a lasting impact on her life. This story is part of a series of 20 short films highlighting caregivers as part of the Well Beings campaign, aiming to raise awareness about critical health issues in America.
The Decision to Leave and Embrace a New Life
Fadriga's transition to caregiving was driven by a desire to offer her four children a brighter future. After facing personal challenges, including the closure of her successful flower shop and separation from her husband, she made the heart-wrenching choice to move to the U.S. Despite the emotional toll, Fadriga remains unregretful about this pivotal decision. Her commitment to providing for her family propelled her into a new career that would shape her life profoundly.
Before relocating, Fadriga owned a thriving flower business in Cebu City, where she supplied imported flowers from around the globe. However, life’s unpredictable nature led to the closure of the shop and a separation from her spouse. Reflecting on this period, she realized that staying might jeopardize her children's future. “I told myself before the boat will sink and I’ll drag everybody down, might as well I’ll jump ship and do something,” she recalls. Leaving her children was incredibly challenging, but knowing they had support from extended family provided some comfort. By 2006, after completing a caregiving course, Fadriga embarked on her new path in Arizona, eventually moving to California to continue her work.
Building Connections and Finding Purpose Through Care
Through her caregiving career, Fadriga discovered a deep connection between nurturing plants and people. She found parallels in her ability to sense when someone or something needed attention, whether it was a plant requiring water or a patient needing care. This intuitive approach has been instrumental in her success as a caregiver. Her most recent role involved caring for Bette Rosen, a vibrant woman who brought joy and laughter into Fadriga’s life. Their bond grew over six years until Rosen’s passing at age 97.
Rosen’s death left Fadriga with a mix of sadness and gratitude. “It’s sad and it’s hard to let go of someone special,” she reflects. Yet, the experience reinforced her belief that caregiving is more than just a job; it’s a calling. Today, Fadriga’s children are grown and scattered across California, Canada, and the Philippines. While she cherishes their accomplishments, she also dreams of creating a program to help mothers provide better for their children. Her ultimate goal is to spend more time with her family in the Philippines while continuing to advocate for compassionate care. “It’s a calling for me to take care of the sick and the dying and the needy,” she emphasizes, underscoring her unwavering dedication to this noble profession.