We were not rich but we had maids or cousin-helpers
By rosyrose
@vickyrose (2235)
Cooma, Australia
September 11, 2016 2:44am CST
I remember growing up in a house full of people. Some of them were 'helpers'. No, we are not rich. It's just that some of our relatives were poorer than us that they offer their services for free to have free food, free accommodation and free education.
My mom was a very kind woman.
Sometimes the number of relatives at home were more than our core family. But it was fun. I would have a cousin who was my age and we became playmates. I used to help her wash clothes or baby sit my young siblings.
My mom was a teacher too and she can enroll these 'cousin-helpers' at the school and we also buy their school supplies.
Now these 'cousin helpers' became teachers, accountants, nurses, some have gone overseas.
Some don't know us anymore. But in helping, we don't expect a reward, just move on and help others who are in need.
9 people like this
12 responses
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
11 Sep 16
i have many siblings, so we had relatives from the province to help with chores and babysitting us. some were helped through school, too.
3 people like this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
@hereandthere yes, the best way to help them is to be able to help themselves. You are blessed and so are they.
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
@MattMeng I'd rather help than be helped lol
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
it sounds good, some privacy issues, but it was OK in general.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130233)
• India
12 Sep 16
Forgetting those who once made one's life is common these days.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130233)
• India
12 Sep 16
@vickyrose Givikng makes one happy. So just give and do not expect gratitude.
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
That's why we just help with no expectations.
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
@judyEv thank you, Judy. It's good to help and share and the reward is to see them have a self sufficient lifestyle.
1 person likes this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
11 Sep 16
Back then it seemed like a very practical way of having extra help at home, and at the same time helping someone finish studies or gaining some financial aid. Looking back, I realized I had a very comfortable life even if we weren't necessarily well-off but because we had so many relatives assuming this role.
That is something that I don't think can happen here because of work rights.
1 person likes this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
15 Sep 16
@vickyrose that comfort didn't last long though. When my mother gave up our business, our finances suffered as well. I started doing most of the house chores myself when I was 11. And it was well worth it knowing the kind of life I have now where you depend on no one but yourself.
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
Now that I live in Australia, it's quite hard, the living standard is nice but quite expensive. Lucky you, to have quite a comfortable life. You had a good head start in life. All the best.
@PurnaSharma (2557)
• Guwahati, India
11 Sep 16
Your mom was a kind hearted woman.
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
It was, but there's not much privacy, but we managed. Thanks, @marlina
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
12 Sep 16
that's wonderful that y'all were able to help so many. we ought not help folks'n hope 'f an earthly reward :) hopefully all paid't ferward to others.
@Happy2BeMe (99390)
• Canada
11 Sep 16
That is great that the less fortunate people in your family were given a chance to better their lives and future.
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
12 Sep 16
There were some though who can't keep up with their studies and eloped and had families..
1 person likes this
