Heart of the Home Series: The Story of Esthela and Esthela

Caregiving introduces you to all kinds of stories — some heavy, some hopeful, some that stay with you long after you hear them. But every now and then, you come across a story that makes you smile before it even begins. That’s what happened when I met Esthela… and Esthela.

Yes — mother and daughter share the same name. And honestly, it fits. Because their lives are intertwined in a way that goes far beyond paperwork or family tradition. One Esthela raised eight children with grit, humor, and a love for looking her best. The other Esthela now stands beside her every day, guiding her through dementia, medical challenges, and the long, quiet hours of aging.

Before the Caregiving Began

Long before dementia, medical equipment, and sleepless nights, Esthela’s mom lived a full and vibrant life. She raised eight children with her husband of 50 years. She loved to joke, dress up, cook, plant, and enjoy a trip to the casino. She was independent, social, and proud.

For the younger Esthela, life looked different then too. Her son had just married and moved out. She and her husband were finally enjoying quiet evenings together after years of raising a family and caring for her father-in-law. She worked full-time with no restrictions and had the freedom to plan her days.

Everything shifted when her mom began forgetting things and became afraid to be alone.

The Moment Everything Changed

There wasn’t one dramatic diagnosis — just a slow, steady unraveling.

Dementia. Hearing loss. A weak bladder. One kidney. Blood clots in her leg. A pacemaker. Each condition added another layer of responsibility. Eventually, the fear of being alone became too much for her mom, and the younger Esthela made the decision so many adult children face: “She needs to live with me.”

The Balancing Act

Being a Realtor is never a 9-to-5 job, but caregiving doesn’t clock out either. To make it work, Esthela became a part-time Realtor, squeezing in computer work whenever she could and relying on coworkers for showings. She shared commissions just to keep income flowing.

The hardest part wasn’t the logistics — it was the toll. Physically, she pushed through pain because she didn’t have time for her own doctor appointments. Emotionally, she struggled with isolation, exhaustion, and the frustration of trying to communicate with a mother who could no longer hear her. Financially, savings drained fast.

Like so many caregivers, she tried to do it all alone — until she couldn’t. Her siblings stepped in on weekends, giving her and her husband precious hours to reconnect. She became certified as a Home Health Aide to earn income while caring for her mom. She transformed her home — turning the office into her mom’s room, adding safety gadgets, securing a wheelchair, and becoming her mom’s POA to navigate insurance.

Caregiving became her full-time life.

Moments That Matter

There is one moment Esthela will never forget: when her mom has a rare moment of clarity, looks at her, and says “Thank you” — offering blessings only a mother can give.

Caregiving has brought them closer in unexpected ways. Her mom now looks at her the way a child looks at a parent — with trust, fear, confusion, and love all mixed together. Roles reversed. Hearts intertwined.

Becoming the Caregiver

Caregiving has changed Esthela. It has made her more patient, more compassionate, and more willing to help others walking the same path. Friends now come to her for advice, and she gives it freely.

What she wishes more people understood is simple: caregiving is not easy. It affects everything — your health, your finances, your relationships, your identity. Support is not optional. It’s essential.

Strength, Support, and Survival

On the hardest days, she leans on her husband — a man who walked this road before with his own father. She steps outside, looks at the sky, and talks to God. She finds comfort in family, friends, and social media. Reading other caregivers’ stories reminds her she’s not alone. Strangers become a support system. Comments become lifelines.

Looking Ahead

For her mom, the hope is simple: a good day, less confusion, less fear, more peace. For herself, she hopes to grow her TikTok community — not for fame, but to help other caregivers feel seen, supported, and understood.

Her Message to Other Professional Women Starting This Journey