Jessica Ronco Chien (吉絲卡) grew up on a farm in the Philippines and came to Taiwan 16 years ago to work as caregiver.
She was hired on a three-year contract to care for a disabled man, Chien Ching-tung (簡慶東), who had lost both arms and a leg in an accident at a power company worksite in 1999.
During those three years, a spark was lit between them, and a few years later they were married, a story that has now been immortalized in an illustrated e-book, titled Jessica’s Wish (吉絲卡的願望), which won a prize last week in a competition sponsored by the Ministry of the Education.
The illustrations were done by Jessica Chien, with the assistance of a government-run digital opportunity center in Hualien County, and the text was written by teachers at National Dong Hwa University, based on Jessica’s account of the romance.
The book recounts how Jessica started learning Mandarin after she began working for Chien Ching-tung so they could communicate better.
She also encouraged him to try painting with his right foot.
Chien Ching-tung became attracted to her open and optimistic personality and her strong desire for learning.
By the time her three-year contract ended, Jessica Chien had also developed great affection for the man whom she called “boss” and she was reluctant to leave Taiwan.
However, she returned home to care for her sick mother.
Chien Ching-tung later followed her to the Philippines, traveling alone to meet her parents and ask for her hand in marriage.
Touched by his determination and love, Jessica Chien’s mother gave him a big hug that said “yes.”
The couple had a son in 2004, and four years ago the family was honored by the National Immigration Agency as one of 20 role model new immigrant families.
Chien Ching-tung, now 55, has gained a reputation as mouth-and-foot painter.
“The happiest time for Jessica is watching her husband painting along with their son,” the last page of the book reads.
Light Lin (古林光樸), a lecturer at the Hualien County branch of the digital opportunity center in Soufeng Township (壽豐), said Jessica is one of his students at the center, which offers basic computer and online courses for people living in remote communities.
“I hope Jessica’s story can encourage more new immigrants from Southeast Asia to adapt to the life and culture in Taiwan,” he said.
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