Summary
Highlights
Camila recounts her decision to move to Italy with her daughter, leaving her son in Colombia, to start a new life with a childhood sweetheart. She was an auxiliary nurse with dreams of a better life for her children, hoping to escape the instability of her home country. Despite possessing multiple professional certifications, she found herself leaving everything behind for an uncertain future.
Upon arriving in Italy, Camila and her daughter lived with her partner's relatives in Milan. Initially, everything seemed fine, but her partner's attitude quickly changed––he became indifferent and distant. Camila, feeling trapped and isolated, spent her days doing housework, cleaning, and cooking for eight people, while her partner contributed financially but did not support her emotional or social needs. Efforts to find employment were met with resistance from her partner's family, who had extended an invitation letter for her stay.
The situation escalated into emotional and physical hardship. Camila endured five days without proper food, as her partner's relatives, particularly the woman of the house, controlled the food supply and subjected her to constant criticism. Her partner's passive response and refusal to confront his relatives left Camila feeling helpless and desperate, especially as her daughter also suffered from hunger. The turning point came on December 31st when, after a heated discussion, she was told to leave the house.
Evicted on New Year's Eve, Camila and her daughter found temporary refuge with a kind elderly couple. With her partner's help, she purchased bus tickets to Spain, knowing the risks of traveling without a passport. Despite the uncertainty, Camila felt a strong conviction that Spain was where she belonged. She arrived in Spain, initially staying with a friend who, despite her initial promises, exploited Camila financially. However, Camila soon secured a job as a caregiver for an elderly man and, miraculously, found an apartment for herself and her children.
Camila's caregiving job, although emotionally taxing due to the patient's psychiatric condition, provided stability. After ten months, she decided to leave, prioritizing her mental health and her children's well-being. A brief reunion with her ex-partner proved disappointing, as he reverted to his old ways. This experience taught Camila the importance of self-reliance and the kindness of strangers. She focused on rebuilding her life through cleaning jobs, gradually establishing a client base and ensuring her children's education and activities.
Camila, after vowing never to marry a Spaniard, fell in love with and married a Spanish waiter she met at a restaurant. This new relationship brought stability and happiness to her life. She now lives with her husband and two children, finding peace and a promising future in Spain. She emphasizes her desire to remain in Spain for the better quality of life and opportunities it offers her children, a stark contrast to the challenges and dangers she perceived in Colombia.
Camila reflects on the complex decision of emigrating with children. She acknowledges the difficulties but believes it was the right choice to ensure her daughter's presence and secure their future. She advises others considering similar paths to ensure they have a stable place to stay and a clear purpose, highlighting that family and friends abroad might not always offer the support one expects. Camila's journey is a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication to her children's well-being.