Handicapped Israeli hails Pinoy caregiver
There are countless stories of physical, emotional abuse and maltreatment overseas Filipino workers suffer at the very hands of their employers, and only a few stories about how they have become an inspiration to many, especially to their bosses.
In this story, however, an Israeli employer sings praises for his Filipino caregiver.
For employer Efi Rimon, Nick Esplana became not only his efficient Filipino caregiver for nine years, but also a trusted friend.
In an article written by London-born Jerusalem translator David Herman titled "I Love You, Nick" published by the Jerusalem Post on July 15, 2008, he recounted the touching story of Efi and his caregiver, Nick.
Herman said Nick provided his employer not only the utmost care, but also gave meaning to his life.
According to Herman, Efi had been "totally handicapped from birth and required a lot of attention."
The wheelchair-bound employer recalled that Nick helped him "flourish" in many ways.
"He became very adept in the use of both (landline) phone and cell phone. He loved to listen to music CDs and to watch the films of Van Damme and Clint Eastwood. He kept his room and papers in tip-top order. He learned to use the fax and dictated many letters concerning himself and Nick to the various social authorities and government ministries," Herman said.
He added that Efi defended Nick from any deportation attempt "because for him, Nick was a true passport to life."
"In those nine years, Efi managed to write three or more books about himself and his feelings, and the love of his life, a beautiful handicapped Arab girl who sadly did not return his affections, and also to go on several memorable trips abroad," Herman said.
Remembering Nick and the many contributions he unselfishly gave to his employer was the only thing that Efi could do.
Nick no longer works for Efi. After being diagnosed with liver cancer, the Filipino caregiver returned home and would later pass away.
"This is also the tragedy of Efi, for whom Nick became like a son and father combined, and for whom Nick's sudden illness, departure and death constitute a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, because, as Efi so often told me: "I love Nick," Herman said.
Herman added that Efi financially helped Nick return to Manila for treatment when he became ill a few months ago.
"But it was already too late. Before he could have the life-saving operation, Nick passed away, leaving Efi grieving and bereft," the article said.
He said: "During Nick's illness, the wheelchair-bound Efi had even been looking for ways to fly to Nick's hospital bedside to comfort and encourage him. Efi told me many times, with tears in his croaky voice, of his promise to Nick to rehire him as soon as he became well."
Herman said that from Efi’s story, he learned to admire Nick, and "through him, all the wonderful, selfless, devoted Filipinos and Filipinas who give so much to the elderly and handicapped members of our society."
Nick’s example and the way he helped and touched the life of his employer will never be forgotten, Herman said.
The Philippine embassy in Tel-Aviv forwarded Herman’s article to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, who in turn, sent it to media.
"Mr. Herman’s article serves as a sterling example of the positive impact of the Filipino caregivers to the Israeli community. The Filipinos’ selfless devotion to the elderly and the sick Israelis touches not only the lives of their patients but also their patients’ families and friends," the DFA said. ABSCBN News
In this story, however, an Israeli employer sings praises for his Filipino caregiver.
For employer Efi Rimon, Nick Esplana became not only his efficient Filipino caregiver for nine years, but also a trusted friend.
In an article written by London-born Jerusalem translator David Herman titled "I Love You, Nick" published by the Jerusalem Post on July 15, 2008, he recounted the touching story of Efi and his caregiver, Nick.
Herman said Nick provided his employer not only the utmost care, but also gave meaning to his life.
According to Herman, Efi had been "totally handicapped from birth and required a lot of attention."
The wheelchair-bound employer recalled that Nick helped him "flourish" in many ways.
"He became very adept in the use of both (landline) phone and cell phone. He loved to listen to music CDs and to watch the films of Van Damme and Clint Eastwood. He kept his room and papers in tip-top order. He learned to use the fax and dictated many letters concerning himself and Nick to the various social authorities and government ministries," Herman said.
He added that Efi defended Nick from any deportation attempt "because for him, Nick was a true passport to life."
"In those nine years, Efi managed to write three or more books about himself and his feelings, and the love of his life, a beautiful handicapped Arab girl who sadly did not return his affections, and also to go on several memorable trips abroad," Herman said.
Remembering Nick and the many contributions he unselfishly gave to his employer was the only thing that Efi could do.
Nick no longer works for Efi. After being diagnosed with liver cancer, the Filipino caregiver returned home and would later pass away.
"This is also the tragedy of Efi, for whom Nick became like a son and father combined, and for whom Nick's sudden illness, departure and death constitute a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, because, as Efi so often told me: "I love Nick," Herman said.
Herman added that Efi financially helped Nick return to Manila for treatment when he became ill a few months ago.
"But it was already too late. Before he could have the life-saving operation, Nick passed away, leaving Efi grieving and bereft," the article said.
He said: "During Nick's illness, the wheelchair-bound Efi had even been looking for ways to fly to Nick's hospital bedside to comfort and encourage him. Efi told me many times, with tears in his croaky voice, of his promise to Nick to rehire him as soon as he became well."
Herman said that from Efi’s story, he learned to admire Nick, and "through him, all the wonderful, selfless, devoted Filipinos and Filipinas who give so much to the elderly and handicapped members of our society."
Nick’s example and the way he helped and touched the life of his employer will never be forgotten, Herman said.
The Philippine embassy in Tel-Aviv forwarded Herman’s article to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, who in turn, sent it to media.
"Mr. Herman’s article serves as a sterling example of the positive impact of the Filipino caregivers to the Israeli community. The Filipinos’ selfless devotion to the elderly and the sick Israelis touches not only the lives of their patients but also their patients’ families and friends," the DFA said. ABSCBN News
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