Ng also recalled her shock when Auntie Amy messaged her on Facebook saying she was back in the Philippines permanently. Before that, while Ng was studying in Australia, Auntie Amy had gone on to work for another family with children.
“I did feel a bit betrayed because I just assumed that she’d be with our family forever. Because she was like family to me,” said Ng.
Tok also had to come to terms with Auntie Lili’s departure in 2021. “I guess we always take for granted the simple things in life, such as companionship,” he mused.
Some viewers rued not keeping in touch with their past helpers or their futile attempts to track them down.
“I wish I could find her and thank her. We tried many times over the decades … but my parents don’t even know her full name,” lamented YouTube user @d05wtt.
“Those of you who have similar stories, if you found yours, you’re fortunate. I wasn’t able to, and I still think about it.”