Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will finally be with her parents for the first time since late 2019. The beauty queen reflected about the struggles experienced by many people like her who had to be away from their families for a long time because of the pandemic.
“After countless rescheduled flights, two flight cancelations, swab tests, stress, applications and waiting… I’m finally on my way to see my parents for the first time in one and a half years,” she said.
Time with family
Catriona shared about a promise she had not been able to keep because of the pandemic: to see her father four or more times in a year. She also said that she’s always feared not being able to spend enough time with him.
“When I won Miss Universe back in 2018 I made a vow to myself to see my dad at least 4 times a year, but since the pandemic we’ve spent the majority of time apart. I know I’m not alone, as so many families face the same reality in the time of COVID… I don’t want to one day be full of regret for not having given time to one of the most important people in my life.”
She also expressed her hopes for others to also have the chance to be with their families again. “I’m sending my whole heart to families who are in the same position as mine. Praying that you’ll be together soon… My heart goes out to all of the OFWs, and to all of you who are also away from your loved ones, unable to come or go home.” she said.
Easy sacrifice
Now that Catriona has arrived in Australia, she’s currently staying at a hotel for her 14-day quarantine. She said that she’s been in constant communication with her parents who are as excited as she is.
She shared her realizations about her family during the pandemic, saying that deciding to spend time with them over staying in the Philippines for work is an easy thing to do.
“In deciding to come here to Australia I had to choose to either cancel/postpone work or to not see my family–and I feel like one of the biggest realizations I’ve had in this season is that relationships and family are the most important things–so it was an easy sacrifice to make.”
She once again expressed her hopes and prayers for those who are not fortunate to have the choice and opportunity to be with their families at this moment.
“But I also know for many of us, it’s just not possible due to work, travel and border restrictions and other impassable challenges. I’m sharing my family and I’s story because I pray that it’d give some kind of hope to all of you who are away from your family. That your families will soon be reunited, just as mine soon will,” she said.
Catriona departed for the Land Down Under on May 4, 2021. She is currently staying in Adelaide, Australia and is now on her second week of quarantine.
