The Help

I watched the movie while travelling from BKK to KL few years ago. I am not a movie buff. But this movie really touched me. Set in the year 50s or 60s, about the helpers stories in the household they worked in. Watch with an open mind. Very interesting.

Why? Because I have my fair share of helpers too. When we were in Bangkok, we stayed in a service apartment from day one. The term service is totally different from what you get in Malaysia. It means you get daily buffet breakfast, you get daily housekeeping and linens change, 24/7 standby technician service (that means you don't even need to change your light bulb), bellboy, reception service, etc. It's just like staying in a hotel with the comfort of home.

What's not to love. Totally spoil by it.

I still remember all the lovely housekeeping ladies. Some I still have their pictures. I stayed long enough to be friends with them. I really appreciate their help. Without them, my life with 2 kids, back then, would have been total chaotic.

Phi Jack . Princess . Phi Fong

Then my nanny, phi Fong and phi Cake. Phi Fong even travelled back with me to Malaysia, just to help me out with the new house and when papa was in the hospital.

Phi Cake And Princess

Then we moved back to Malaysia. The first week, almost breakdown. Overwhelmed. Missing Bangkok life so much. Not happy at all.

Few weeks later, got back on my feet. Life goes on. Wonder why I make fuss about it. But still not used to living in a big house. Still prefer condo.

Princess. Phi Fong . Speedy

Then came Jane. She is Cambodian, those days when the government allowed. She was my mom in law helper and she was so kind to send Jane for half a day on weekdays to help me out. Though she worked with me for a short period of time, she helped me so much. Before she went back to Cambodia, on her last day at my home, she told me, 'Mam, I want to see Caden walk before I go', Speedy was like 10 months then, I thought is impossible as Princess started walking few weeks shy one year. Then later that evening, Speedy took his first step. Jane is like a sister to me and she cared for my family as it was her own.

Feeding Them Were The Most Hardest Chore 😌

Our Last Day With Jane 😢

After Jane left, I have some part time helper which was not so good Well, nobody is perfect. I don't blame them. And I am kind of OCD.

Then came Mis, she worked with me longest, 3 years. She helped me so much with Tiny, I don't even need any confinement lady. She didn't cook for me, I respect her religion. But the things that she did for me, couldn't ask for more. I felt so blessed having her around. We say our goodbyes last year. It was a really teary moment. She have to go. Her family waiting for her back home.

Mis . Tiny

Next month, my new helper will come. I look forward to see her. Is not easy leaving home to work in a foreign land. Hopefully she will be just like them.

Something cannot be measure by money worth. Yes, I paid them to work for me, but the service they provided, were beyond that. Is human touch.