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| A Dream Come True: Gigi’s Daycare Journey
From the moment I became an aunt at just 13 years old, I felt an overwhelming sense of love for my niece. She wasn’t just my family; she felt like a little piece of my heart, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. I spent every moment I could with her, watching her grow, play, and explore the world. It was in those moments that my love for children began. I knew deep down that I wanted to be the person who nurtured, taught, and helped young minds flourish. That was the beginning of my dream. Fast forward to 1997, and I married the love of my life. The path to parenthood wasn’t easy for us. But during that time, something remarkable happened: my best friend started her own daycare. I watched her day in and day out as she poured her heart into the children in her care. Her days were filled with laughter, creativity, and love. I couldn’t help but feel in awe of how rewarding her job was. She was living my dream, and I was drawn to the idea of following in her footsteps. But, like many dreams, there was a fear I couldn’t shake. I questioned whether I could truly start a daycare if I didn’t have a child of my own to show my understanding of parenthood. And so, I stayed in a cubicle for 22 years, doing work that didn’t quite feel like it was mine, but keeping that dream locked away in my heart. Then, in 2008, our beautiful baby boy was born. In that moment, everything shifted. I knew that this was the sign I had been waiting for – it was time for me to step into my dream. With my son in my arms and a heart full of hope, I threw myself into preparing for my daycare. I spent countless hours researching, planning, and organizing. I painted the walls of my playroom, carefully selecting colors that would inspire joy and creativity. I gathered toys, books, and arts and crafts supplies, making sure I had everything ready to nurture children of all ages. And in August of 2009, I officially opened and finally stepped into the life I had dreamed of for so long. But what I didn’t know at the time was just how special this journey would be. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible children and families. There’s magic that happens when you get to see a child’s face light up as they create something beautiful, or when they master a new skill that once seemed impossible. It fills me with such pride and joy, and I’m endlessly grateful for the trust parents place in me. What makes my daycare even more unique is that many of the families who come through my door are either related or close friends. It’s a beautiful thing to witness generations of love and connection within one space. After 16 years of providing daycare, I’ve been blessed with incredible children and fantastic parents. The bond that I share with these children is something indescribable. It’s the kind of love that makes me feel as though I am their family, just as they are mine. And it’s rare for me to have a childcare opening because my families are always quick to refer others to me. I love watching the children and my daycare grow and improve each year. I am proud to say that after 16 years I am still doing my dream job! Gigi Capaul |