Dear Hillary,
My maid has told me today that she is pregnant and she will be going back to her village up country in a few months. This news has just shattered me. I have spent the past six months training her and now, just when she has become very good she will be leaving me in the lurch. What can I do about this? How do I find a replacement? I went through three maids before I got this one. Why do these girls take a job if they know they are wishing to start a family? What should I do Hillary? Is this normal for Thai maids?
June
Dear June,
I think you could keep me going for a week, just on your own, Petal, with all your questions, but let’s take this situation and look at calmly. So your maid has become pregnant. This does happen as you would know. This may or may not have been planned either, but whatever, you should be supportive of this girl at this time, not saying “Why?” If you help this girl now, then she will help you tomorrow. It’s always a two way street, June. If you are the sort of person your maid would recommend as an employer, she will even find her own replacement and help train her too. Get excited about this pregnancy and stop thinking only about yourself. You are going to be a “grandmother” soon! Lighten up and relax and help your maid enjoy this pregnancy!
